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EIISTOI^"^" 



OF THE 



Battle of Lake Erie, 



(September lO, 1813,) 



AND 



REMINISCENCES 



OF THE 



Flagship Lawrence," 



BY 



CJj^:E'rr. "W. "VST. IDosBiisrs, 



ERIE, PA.: Xn^^^VaSH'.^^ 

AsHBY & Vincent, Printers, Stationers and Bin© 

1876. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876 by 

T. J. VI E R S, 
In the Ofifice of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



ASHBY & VINCENT, 
Printers, Binders and Stationers, 

EBIK, PA. 



PREFACE. 



*♦• 




N offering this pamphlet to the public, it may be deemed 
^^ necessary to offer some apology. There have been many 

accounts of Perry's Victory, Sept. 10th, 1813, published. 
Yet in consequence of the unfortunate feud existing between 
Perry and Elliott and their friends, the accounts partook some- 
what of an ex parte character. This is not a correct way to 
hand down passing events to posterity. In writing history, 
facts should be given as nearly as possible, not fiction. 

My father. Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins, was a pioneer in 
the construction of the squadron, and served actively upon the 
upper lakes during the war. From conversations during his 
lifetime, as also memoranda and other papers left by him — in 
connection with the accounts given by McKenzie, Cooper and 
Lossing, 1 have compiled this little book. 

I hope the reader will excuse the commonplace style of com- 
position, as it is the effort of an illiterate sailor. 

W. W. DOBBINS. 



HISTORY OF THE 



Battle of Lake Erie, 



AND REMINISCENCES OF TEE 



Flagship '^ Lav^rence." 



CHAPTER I. 




T THE time war was declared with Great Britain in 
^^1812, the Canadian frontier was in advance of us in com- 
merce and agriculture. A goodly portion of our supplies 
of merchandise, particularly groceries, came to us from Mon- 
treal. In regard to agriculture, the tory emigration from the 
United States at the commencement of, and during the Revo- 
lution, had done good work in this line, assisted by emigration 
from the old country, and the Canadian French. Then their 
military posts were well kept up, and having something of a 
Navy in the way of several heavily armed vessels, classed by 
the British Government as a "Provincial Navy," and not 
regular. These vessels also transported passengers and 



b HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

merchandise. In another point of view, they were well pre- 
pared, viz : they were on the best of terms with the numerous 
tribes of Indians, not only in Canada, but many on this side of 
the Une ; as the British Government pursued a course calcu- 
lated to attach the Indians to their interests. Their treaties 
with their red brethern were always strictly kept, and no Indian 
agent was allowed to defraud them ; consequently their sup- 
plies were of the best. For one hundred years they have had 
little or no trouble with their Indians, although the British 
possessions are full of them. There the trader was safe at his 
post in the wildernesg, and the Roman Catholic Priest on his 
mission through their midst. I would say here, how different 
has been the course and results with us since we have been a 
Government. The answer might be given thus : — badly kept 
treaties, corrupt Indian agents, miserable supplies, and a vacil- 
lating policy. Thus, the consequence is, bloody Indian wars, 
at a cost of thousands of lives and millions of money ; and, 
from the present out-look, no likelihood of getting better. 

On the American side of the line, say from Black R.ock on 
the Niagara River, to Sault St. Mary's River, the outlet of Lake 
Superior, things were in a poor condition to go to war with our 
neighbor. A sparsely settled country, with all the wants and 
deprivations incident thereto, full of wandering tribes of Indians, 
the object of whom was, with few exceptions, to watch the 
chances, and were ready the moment war commenced, to 
plunder and massacre. To show how deficient we were in 
the way of postal communication, the first news of the decla- 
ration of war along the frontier west of Black Rock, N. Y., 
was through Canadian dispatches to their several posts. When 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 7 

Mackinaw was taken, the first notice of the declaration of war 
was a heavy force of British and Indians landing upon the 
eastern and uninhabited portion of the island in the night, and 
capturing the post without the firing of a gun. 

But I have digressed from my proposed account of Perry's 
Victory, and will now begin with a short account of the early 
work of constructing and fitting out the squadron. In giving 
this matter, it is, in a measure, necessary to relate some of the 
incidents; and as Captain Daniel Dobbins, of Erie, was a 
pioneer in the construction of most of the vessels, it is well to 
give his early connection therewith. 

In July, 1812, Captain Dobbins was at Mackinaw in com- 
mand of a merchant vessel named the Salina, belonging to 
himself and a merchant of Erie, named R. S. Reed, and (who, 
together with a relative named W. W. Reed, were on board 
the vessel) was taken at the surrender of that post. His vessel, 
and one other of the captured, were made cartels to convey 
the prisoners and non-combatants to Cleveland, Ohio. Upon 
their arrival at Detroit, they were taken possession of by 
General Hull, and again fell into the hands of the enemy, on 
the surrender of that important post. Captain Dobbins now 
obtained a pass for himself and the two Reeds through the 
influence of Colonel Nichols, of his Majesty's service, (an old 
acquaintance previous to the war) and accompanied Colonel 
Lewis Cass and Captain Saunders, who were in charge of 
paroled prisoners surrendered at Detroit and at Van Horn's 
defeat, including the wounded — to be transported across the 
head of the lakes in open boats, to Cleveland. Passing from 
island to island, they arrived safely at Cleveland on the third 



■s 



8 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

day, after a perilous voyage. Here, Cass and Saunders were 
in honor bound to destroy the boats, and Gapt. D. navigated a 
small sloop bound down the lake. After alarming the inhab- 
itants along the coast at the sight of a vessel, be she ever so 
small, after they had heard of Hull's surrender, he arrived 
safely at Erie. After remaining a few days with his family, he 
was sent with dispatches to Washington City by General David 
Mead, who was then in command of that post, and gave the 
first authentic information of the surrender of Mackinaw and 
Detroit at the seat of Government, having passed Colonel Cass, 
who was the bearer of dispatches from General Hull, sick by 
the way. Immediately upon his arrival a Cabinet meeting was 
held, to whom he gave a full account of matters, including the 
situation of the frontier, and the most suitable point for a naval 
depot upon the upper lakes. He recommended Erie, which 
was adopted. He was then solicited to accept a sailing master's 
position in the navy, which he accepted, and was at once 
ordered to Erie with instructions to immediately commence 
the construction of gun boats, which work he speedily began 
late in October following. Upon his arrival at Erie, was or- 
dered to report to Commodore Chauncey at Sackett's Harbor, 
or to the commanding officer at Black Rock, for further in- 
structions ; which order he obeyed and received the following 
reply : 

" Black Rock, Oct. 2d, 1812. 

"Sir; — Your letter of the 13th ultimo, directed to Commo- 
dore Chauncey or the commanding officer on Lake Erie, I have 
received, together with its enclosed — a copy of your instructions 
from the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy, each of which, 



-HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 9 

together with a copy of this letter, I have enclosed to him for 
his consideration. 

'^ It appears to me utterly impossible to build gun boats at 
Presqu 'ile. There is not a sufficient depth of water on the 
bar to get them into the lake. Should there be water, the 
place is at all times open to the attacks of the enemy, and in 
all probability when leady for action, ultimately will fall into 
the hands of the enemy, and be a great annoyance to our 
forces building and repairing at this place. From a slight ac- 
quaintance 1 have with our side of the lake, and with what 
information I have obtained from persons who have long navi- 
gated it, I am under the impression Lake Erie has not a single 
harbor calculated to fit out a naval expedition ; and the only 
one convenient, I am at present at, which is in between Squaw 
Island and the Main, immediately in the mouth of Niagara 
River. I have no further communication to make upon the 
subject. Probably in a few days I shall be in possession of 
Commodore Chauncey's impressions, when you shall again 
hear from me. 

" With esteem, yours, &c., 

"J. D. Elliott, U. S. N. 
^''Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins.^'' 

Mr. Dobbins (that being the modest title appUed to sailing 
master) at once replied as follows, viz : 

"Erie, Oct. 11th, 1812. 

" Dear Sir : — Yours of the second inst. is received. In 
regard to the idea entertained by you, that this place is not a 
suitable one to build gun boats at, allow me to differ with you. 
There is a sufficiency of water on the bar to let them into the 
lake, but not a sufficiency to let heavy armed vessels of the 
enemy into the bay to destroy them. The bay is large and 
spacious, and completely land-locked, except at the entrance. 
I have made my arrangements in accordance with my own 
convictions, for the purpose of procuring the timber and other 
material for their construction. I believe I have as perfect a 



10 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

knowledge of this lake as any other man on it, and I believe 
you would agree with me were you here, viz : That this is the 
place for a naval station. 

" I remain yours, very respectfully, &c., 

" Daniel Dobbins, U. S. N. 
" Ueut J. D. Elliott, U. 8. N^ 

This letter from Elliott was the only information Mr. Dobbins 
got from that quarter ; and not being satisfied, he hastened to 
Black Rock, where he found a Lieutenant Angus in command ; 
and as he (Angus) had not heard from Commodore Chauncey, 
or from any other source, of the building of gun boats at Erie 
(Presqu 'ile) he was at a loss what course to pursue. Mr. 
Dobbins, however, employed a skillful ship carpenter — the 
only one to be obtained — and returned to Erie, determined to 
urge forward the work with such house carpenters and laborers 
as he could obtain. Feeling the importance of the occasion, 
and not receiving instructions from any quarter, he wrote the 
Department, asking for such, and for funds, having expended 
what he had at first received. 

The work was now pushed as rapidly as possible, having 
received instructions and funds from the Department. The 
winter was a very severe one, which retarded the work in 
many respects. It being still urged at the Department that 
Black Rock was a more suitable place than Erie for a naval 
station, Mr. Dobbins wrote the Secretary upon the subject, of 
which the following is an extract : 

"Erie, December 19th, 1812. 
" To Hon. the Secretary of the Navy : 

" Sir : * * * In regard to the vessels cut down, and in 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 11 

an unfinished state at Black Rock, there can be but little confi- 
dence placed in their safety. The yard is within reach of the 
enemy's batteries, and if finished, the vessels could be cut to 
pieces in passing up the rapids into the lake." * * * 

It will be remembered that Commodore Chauncey com- 
manded on Lake Erie as well as Ontario, and continued in 
command until after the battle, in fact, until April, 1814. 



CHAPTER II. 




BOUT the 1st of January, 1813, Chauncey, accompanied 
-by Henry Eckford (Naval Constructor) officially visited 
Erie — approved the work of Mr. Dan'l Dobbins and gave in- 
structions to get out timber, and prepare for the building of 
two "sloops of war;" which additional work was rapidly 
pushed, and the keels ready to lay, with much of the timber 
on hand, when Mr. Noah Brown, master ship builder from 
New York, with a gang of twenty-five carpenters, arrived about 
the 10th of March. 

In a letter from Mr. Dobbins to the Department under date 
of March 14th, 1873, we find the following, viz : * * " The 
keels of the two sloops of war are ready to lay, with most of 
the timber on hand — the gun boats are ready for calking, and 
everything looks encouraging in that respect ; and yet, I have 



12 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

my fears of the secret incendiary, as well as the prowling spy 
of the enemy, and in an unguarded moment our labor may be 
destroyed. As a substitute for a guard, I have made arrange- 
ments with the workmen in the yard to stand guard until I 
hear from you. Mr. Brown joins me in my opinion in regard 
to the danger, and the course I intend to pursue." This guard, 
in connection with a well armed volunteer company com- 
manded by Captain Thos. Forster, composed of sixty citizens, 
constituted for some time the only protection of the town and 
vessels on the stocks. ^ , .»i 

f Commodore Perry arrived on the 27th from Black Rock, 
; and at once assumed command. The defenceless condition of 
the vessels and the town at once claimed his attention, and he 
immediately sent for General Mead, the military commander in 
that portion of Pennsylvania ; the result of which conference 
was the calling out of the military force under his command, 
or sufficient for a guard, and in a short time one thousand 
militia were in camp, which was ultimately reinforced by sev- 
eral hundred volunteers from the interior of the State. 

Although Erie (Presqu 'ile) had twice been occupied as a 
military post — first by the French as early as 1760, and subse- 
quently by the United States in 1798, and where the latter had 
a stockade-fort with three small block-houses and other 
military fixtures — yet not a single piece of ordnance remained, 
and the only thing in the shape of a cannon was a small iron 
boat howitzer, with which the villagers celebrated the Fourth of 
July, and other occasions, belonging to General Kelso, it having 
been found by him on the beach of the lake, where probably 
it had been left by the wrecking of an armed French batteau. 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 13 

Nothing now remains of the French fort, but portions of some 
earthworks. The American fortifications, though gone to 
ruins, were put in condition and occupied. 

In comparison with the great facilities for ship building of 
the present day, we can form but a remote idea of the difficul- \ 
ties Commodore Perry and his compeers had to encounter in 
building, and equipping, his squadron. All the carpenters and 
blacksmiths in the country having been employed by Mr.^ 
Dobbins in building the gun boats, and aU the stores in the 
village ransacked for iron, and then forced to get the most of it 
from Pittsburgh, Commodore Perry found but httle to work 
with, the great responsibility resting upon his shoulders, and 
the gigantic task before him. He, however, managed to get a 
small supply for immediate use from Pittsburgh and Buffalo. 
But the gallant young hero was equal to the task, and started 
into the work with all the energy and determination his future 
achievements demonstrated. He at once wrote the Secretary 
of the Navy what was immediately required, when carpenters 
and blacksmiths were ordered from Philadelphia. Mr. Dobbins 
was dispatched to Black Rock for seamen and chests of arms, 
and such ordnance as he could manage to transport, which 
was a heavy task, considering the bad condition of the roads 
incident to the breaking up of spring through a new country. 
On the 30th of March, Sailing Master W. V. Taylor, a very 
skillful officer and thorough seaman, arrived from Sackett's 
Harbor, with twenty officers and seamen. Perry now deter- 
mined to leave him in command and proceed to Pittsburgh, to 
hasten the w^orkmen en route from Philadelphia, and make 
further arrangements for supplies. Upon his arrival at Pitts- 



14 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

burgh made arrangements for canvas for the sails to be brought 
from Philadelphia, including cables, anchors and other supplies. 
He met with a Captain A. R. Woolley, an intelligent ordnance 
officer of the army, from whom he received valuable aid and 
advice in the way of procuring armament, and matters per- 
taining to it, and from whom he obtained four small field 
pieces, and some muskets. Captain Woolley also volunteered 
to supervise the casting of the carronades and shot, and other 
requisites. Perry started on his return to Erie on the 7th of 
April, and on his arrival found the work upon the vessels rap- 
idly progressing; though Mr. Dobbins had been able to get 
through with but one 12-pounder from Buffalo, and three 
chests of muskets, — floods, sweeping away of bridges, and 
almost impassable roads having to be overcome. Perry now, 
in conjunction with General Mead, had a redoubt thrown up 
at the point where the land lighthouse now stands ; and Mr. 
Dobbins having in the meantime arrived from Buffalo with two 
long 12-pouiiders, they were mounted upon it. On Garrison 
Hill another was thrown up, with the four pieces obtained at 
Pittsburgh mounted thereon. Perry also had a rude block 
house erected upon the bluff overlooking the yard where the 
large vessels were constructing, and where a brigade of troops 
were encamped. There was also another redoubt thrown up 
on the bluff commanding the yard where the gun boats were 
still on the stocks, with an encampment of troops to garrison 
it, and guns mounted as fast as they could be obtained from 
Buffalo. 

The two "sloops of war" were built at the mouth of the 
Cascade Creek, about one mile above the village, as a greater 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 15 

depth of water could be obtained at this point for launching. 
The gun boats were constructed upon a wide beach of the bay, 
at a point now known as " Reed's Dock," near the village. 

Mr. Dobbins having been awarded the task of transporting 
the heavy ordnance from Black Rock, or the temporary naval > 
station at Gonjaquades Creek, just below that place, to Erie ; \ 
and after managing to get a few through by land, notwithstand- , 
ing the almost impassable roads, and then by open boats, as 
soon as the ice in the lake was out sufficiently for a passage, 
called forth the best energies of Mr. Dobbins, as it was done in 
the face of the enemy, they being aware of what was going on ; 
and as soon as the ice permitted, their spies were constantly 
on the lookout. As a sample of one of these hazardous trips, 
he started to bring up two long 32-pounders, weighing 3,600 
pounds each. In the way of a craft, he was only able to pro- 
cure an old '' Derham boat," so-called, which had been used 
to boat salt from Schlosser to Fort Erie ; and after fitting her 
up as best he could, with timbers placed lengthwise in her 
bottom, got the guns on board, including a quantity of naval 
stores. When ready, tracked up the rapids of Niagara River 
and started for Erie, having a four-oared boat in company. 
He kept near the American shore, but. dare not show his sail 
except at night. When off Cattaraugus, in the night, it came 
on to blow heavily from northwest, and in order to keep her 
off the beach, they made what sail they could with two planks 
for ieaboards, and, after a struggle, succeeded in getting an 
offing. But their troubles were not ended : the great steering- 
oar unshipped, and the boat fell off into the trough of the sea. 
The heavy rolling soon carried away the step of the mast 



16 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

before they could get the sail down. But the repairs were 
soon made and they got sail on again, when it was found she 
was leaking badly, caused by the heavy rolling, with so much 
weight in her bottom, and likely to founder. As the old 
maxim has it, "necessity is the mother of invention," Mr. 
Dobbins took a coil of rope they had on board, and passing 
the rope round and round her, from forward to aft, and heaving 
the turns taut with a gunner's hand spike, thus managing to 
keep her afloat, with all hands bailing. At daylight they found 
themselves some ten miles below Erie, with two of the enemy's 
cruisers in sight in the offing to windward. However, the 
wind had veered more to the eastward, and they made port 
with a fair wind — their consort, having parted company with 
them in the night, safely made port, and reported Mr. Dobbins' 
boat lost. 

Gangs of additional carpenters, blacksmiths, sailmakers, 
riggers, &c.,soon arrived from New York and Philadelphia and 
the work went bravely on. 



CHAPTER III. 



ON THE 23d of May, Perry suddenly took his departure for 
Lake Ontario, taking Mr. Dobbins with him, and leaving 
Sailino- Master Taylor in command at Erie. They left that 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 17 

evening in a four-oared boat. At the contemplated sortie upon 
Fort George, Perry having been offered by Ghauncey the com- 
mand of the seamen and marines that might land. After a 
trip full of discomforts and dangers, they reached Schlosser on 
the third day. It being impossible to get a conveyance from 
there, Mr. Dobbins managed to procure an old Ganadian pony, 
and an old saddle, with a rope girth, v^hich the sailors had 
fitted from the painter of the boat. On this old Rosinant 
Perry mounted, in full imiform. Mr. Dobbins smiled at the 
Quixotic appearance of his chief, as also did Perry, and pleas- 
antly remarking, " Any port in a storm, Mr. Dobbins ; this is 
the best we can do." Mr. Dobbins advised him to take the 
boat's crew with him as a guard, the banks of the river being 
infested with prowling Indians and spies, but he refused, how- 
ever allowing Mr. Dobbins to accompany him on foot for some 
distance, both being armed. Perry then gave Mr. Dobbins 
orders to return to Schlosser and procure boats to take up a 
draft of seamen to Black Rock, which he said would be sent 
up in a few days, or directly after the affair of Fort George. 

On the 27th of May, Fort George fell. The part Perry bore 1 
in this telling capture is a matter of history ; and the first twig • 
of the cluster of laurels, soon to adorn his brow. 

On the 28th, the detachment of officers and men arrived at 
Schlosser, and were immediately embarked for Black Rock, 
where they arrived the next day ; Perry had already 
arrived at Black Rock, having gone up by land. After the 
capture of Fort George, the enemy evacuated the Niagara 
frontier to a great extent, and Perry at once determined to get 
the vessels purchased by the Government and prepared for 



18 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

war purposes by Henry Eckford, and blockaded in Gonjaquades 
Greek by the batteries of the enemy on the opposite shore, up 
to Erie, if possible. At once the guns were dismounted on the 
batteries, and mounted upon the vessels, and the naval stores 
got on board. On the 6th of June, the vessels being ready, 
the tedious work of tracking them up the rapids commenced. 
This arduous task lasted a week. In addition to ox-teams and 
sailors, they had the assistance of two hundred soldiers, under 
the command of Captains Brevoort and Youngs. On the 
morning of the 13th, the last vessel got safely out of the rapids. 
The officers and soldiers detailed by General Dearbourn to 
assist in getting the vessels up the rapids, were, at the request 
of Perry, allowed to remain on board to assist in navigating 
and defending the vessels on their passage to Erie. This little 
flotilla was composed of the following vessels, viz: Brig '^ Cale- 
donia," (prize) armament two long 24-pounders and one long 
12-pounder ; schooner " Samers," (formedy " Catherine ") two 
long 18-pounders; sloop " Trippe," (formerly "Contractor") 
one long 24-pounder ; schooner "Ohio," one long 24-pounder; 
schooner " Amelia," one long 24-pounder. 
i I have not the names of the commanders at hand, except 
that the " Caledonia" was made the flagship for the time, and 
of course was commanded by Perry, the "Ohio" by Mr. 
Dobbins ; the rest of the commanders were ordered from Erie. 
On the evening of the 15th they sailed for Erie, but were 
driven back by a heavy wind the next day. On that evening 
they sailed again. Great vigilance was necessary in order to 
elude the fleet of the enemy then cruising at the foot of the 
lake, and constantly on the lookout for them. Tha British 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 19 

fleet consisted of the following vessels, viz : " Queen Charlotte," 
armament 17 guns ; ''Lady Provost," 13 guns ; " Hunter," 10 
guns ; " Little Belt," 3 guns ; schooner " Chippewa," 1 gun. 
Had they encountered our little flotilla there would have 
been some warm work, but the disparity of force was too great, 
consequently, victory would have been with them, and British 
ascendancy on the upper lakes would have been prolonged. 
However, fortune favored the gallant Perry, and he managed 
to elude them. So near were they to meeting, that when off 
Dunkirk, the wind being light ahead, and the weather hazy, 
Perry anchored his vessels close in shore in order not to be 
seen from the offing. While there, a man made his appearance 
on the bank of the lake and made signals. Perry sent a boat , 
for him, when he gave the information that the enemy had 
been at anchor the night before off the 20 mile creek below 
Erie, and sent on shore to get fresh supplies — that from an in- 
termediate point he could see both fleets at the same time. 
But good luck was on our side ; Perry with his little squadron 
entered the harbor of Erie, all safe, on the morning of the 19th 
of June. Every preparation and precaution had been attended 
to by the ever vigilant young hero. He had arranged a line of 
battle, when sailing abreast or in line ; also a code of signals, 
which were as follows : 

" One gun — Underway to get. 
Green at the fore — Form the order of sailing ahead. 
Green at the main — Form the order of sailing abreast. 
Green at the main peak — Form the order of battle on the 
starboard tack. 

Green in the fore rigging — Form the order of battle on the 

larboard tack. 

Green in the main rigging — Close more the present order. 



20 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

White at the fore — Open more the present order. 

White at the main — Tack. 

White at the main peak — Follow the motions of the flagship. 

Ensign at the main gaff — Engage the enemy. 

White at the main, with stop in the middle — Chase. 

Ensign in the fore rigging — Repair on board flagship, all 
Commanders. 

Green and white at the main gaff — Come within hail. 

It is expected Commanders will pay strict attention to the 
order of sailing. 

No property other than public, or passengers to be received 
on board any of the vessels under my command. 

0. H. PERRY." 

When at the lower end of the lake, the British squadron 
usually rendezvoused at what is known as " Mohawk Bay " 
below Grand River. This is an indentation of the main, with 
a small island in front, and a long reef extending off to the 
eastward — making a fine lea, with sea room inside and good 
holding ground. From here they would sail to keep watch of 
the movements on the American side. They were rampant 
on hearing of Perry arriving safely at Erie with his little fleet, 
despite their vigilance. 

The vessels to comprise the squadron were now all within 
the bay at Erie, and the equipping and arming went on rapidly. 
The court house had been converted into a sail loft ; the sails 
were nearly completed, while the rigging was being fitted on 
board the vessels. 

It will be remembered that Commodore Chauncey was the 
senior officer on Lake Erie as well as Ontario ; and that every- 
thing of importance connected with building and equipping the 
squadron had to come through him, instead of coming direct 
to Perry from the Department. Thus the delay of many 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 21 

matters, particularly in procuring crews for the vessels. 

The two "sloops of war "—afterward named "Lawrence" 
and " Niagara " — were built after the same models, being 100 
feet straight rabbit, 110 feet between the perpendiculars, 30 
feet beam, and 9 feet hold, flush deck, and pierced for 20 guns 
with two stern ports. Mr. Brown, the efficient and enterpris- 
ing master builder, gave them this shallow depth of hold in 
order to have a good heighth of "quarters" or bulwarks, and 
at the same time avoid showing a high side above the water, 
and also to secure a light draught of water. They were hastily 
constructed of such timber as came handy, though staunchly 
built. In the language of Mr. Brown to one of the workmen, 
who was somewhat particular in finishing his job, "We want 
no extras — plain work is all that is required ; they will only be 
wanted for one battle ; if we win, that is all that is wanted of 
them ; if the enemy are victorious, the work is good enough to 
be captured." 



CHAPTER IV. 




N ERROR has got into some accounts of the old ship's 
-name— claiming it as "St. Lawrence," after the river of 
that name, as the other vessel was named " Niagara " after the 
Niagara River. The name was given by the Navy Department 



22 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

in honor of Captain James Lawrence, who fell mortally- 
wounded while in command of the frigate " Chesapeake " in 
her unfortunate encounter with the British frigate " Shannon ;" 
and Perry adopted Lawrence's last words as a motto for his 
fighting flag, viz : " DonH give up the SUpy 

The schooner " Ariel" (of pilot boat model) and "Scorpion" 
were about 63 tons burden ; the "Porcupine " and " Tigress " 
about 52 tons. The tonnage of the vessels brought from Black 
Rock were as follows, viz: Brig '^Caledonia" (captured by 
Lieutenant Elliot from under the guns of Fort Erie) was 85 
tons ; schooner "Somers," 65 tons; sloop "Trippe," 63 tons; 
schooner " Ohio," 62 tons ; schooner " Amelia," 72 tons. This 
latter vessel was condemned on examination after reaching 
Erie, and sunk in the harbor. 

The gun boats being completed, were launched about the 
last of April— immediately fitted out, armed, and rendezvoused 
with the other vessels in the vicinity of the yard where the 
sloops of war were on the stocks, to defend them in case of an 
atiacK, 

There appears some discrepancy between authors and those 
who should have a correct knowledge of the date when the 
"Lawrence" and "Niagara" were launched. Mackenzie has 
it "on the 24th of May," and most accounts have adopted that 
date. From circumstances, and in fact, direct data, as also the 
opinion of living witnesses who were connected with their 
construction, the " Lawrence " was launched on or about the 
25th of June, and the " Niagara " on the 4th of July. 

Full crews for the vessels was now the important mat- 
ter, and up to the 25th of June, there had been but 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 23 

about one hundred and fifty men and officers received 
from Lake Ontario, the point they were expected from, and 
many of these were on the sick list. Perry was every day 
receiving communications from the Navy Department, urging 
him to hasten the equipment of his squadron, so as to act in 
conjunction with General Harrison, in a combined movement 
against the enemy by land and water. This was very perplex- 
ing to Perry, as he was short of officers and men ; and to make 
matters worse, the 200 soldiers, with Captains Brevoort and 
Youngs, whom had gone up in the vessels from Black Rock to 
Erie, and Perry had made application to retain, and be dis- 
tributed through the squadron as marines^ were recalled to 
Black Rock. On the 10th of July, Perry had received a letter 
from General Dearbourn, saying, " by order of the War De- 
partment, the officers and soldiers must return," excepting 
Captain Brevoort, whom he permitted to remain, as Captain B. 
had navigated the lakes several years in command of the brig 
" Adams " under the auspices of the War Department, and 
would be of great service. The troops were sent off immedi- 
ately in boats under the command of Captain Youngs. This 
was a sad blow to Perry. However, after writing urgent letters 
to Chauncey, he got news of a draft of men and otficers being 
forwarded, and on the 17th dispatched Mr. Dobbins with two 
boats — to be joined by others at Buffalo, and bring them to 
Erie. The followiug is the order : 

"Erie, July 17th, 1813. 

" Sir : — You will repair to Buffalo with the two boats, and 

there wait until the officers and men destined for the vessels of 

war at this place, arrive. You will upon your arrival at Buffalo 

endeavor to collect, in conjunction with Mr. Carter, boats, in 



24 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

addition to the four belonging to the Navy, for the transporta- 
tion of the men, say three or four hundred, from that place to 
Erie. The boats to be collected at Buffalo Creek. Great cau- 
tion will be necessary on your way up, to prevent being 
intercepted by the enemy. Should they appear off this harbor, 
I will send an express to Cattaraugus and the 20 mile creek, to 
give you information. 

" Very respectfully, &c., 

"0. H. PERRY. 

•' Sailing Master Daniel Bohhinsy 

As an excuse for frequently mentioning the name of Sailing 
Master Dobbins, will state, that I have his papers and memo- 
randa made at the time ; and as he was actively engaged in 
getting up and equipping the squadron, and in operations on 
the upper lakes during the war, valuable information is ob- 
tained therefrom ; including the fact that he was the only officer 
at the time who was familiar with the navigation and coast on 
both sides. Thus, he was invariably detailed for duty on all 
occasions away from Erie, requiring a knowledge of the navi- 
gation, locality, and people ; as also a good proportion of self- 
reliance and experience. Perry's officers were mostly young, 
without a knowledge of the lake navigation and the difficulties 
incident thereto, though at home upon the deck of a man-of-war 
at sea. The average age of Perry's officers is given by Dr 
Usher Parsons, the medical officer of the flagship " Lawrence," 
viz : " The average age of the commissioned officers of Perry's 
squadron was less than twenty-three ; the average age of the 
warrant officers was less than twenty years." 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 25 

CHAPTER V. 



1j 



Y THE 25th of July the vessels were completed, and 
armed, but only partially officered and manned. At the 
same time Perry was in frequent receipt of communications 
from the Department and General Harrison, urging him to a 
forward movement ; and to add still more to Perry's anxiety, 
Harrison informed him, "The enemy would in a few days 
launch their new ship " Detroit," and had just received a rein- 
forcement of experienced officers and prime seamen." This 
*vas truly annoying to Perry, as his vessels were not fully 
manned ; however, those he had were being well disciplined. 
Everything in the way of completion and preparation was 
fully attended to. The supplies of ammunition, stores, &c., 
were stowed temporarily, to get the best trim of the vessels. 
This was done that everything could be replaced with alacrity, 
as they would have to be taken on shore in getting the large 
vessels over the bar. 

The enemy made frequent visits near the roadstead off the 
harbor, and sometimes the " Queen Charlotte " would visit 
alone. At other times the whole squadron would make the 
menace. On the 21st of July, they made one of these "calls," 
when the gun boats ran down to the bar at the entrance, and 
exchanged shots with them, with but little effect, on our side at 
least, when they bade adieu, and squared away for Canada, 
probably to report. 

Previous to the war the English had upon the lakes what 
they termed a " Provincial Marine ;" the vessels had a light 



26 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

armament, and were used to transport troops, Indian goods, 
and frequently individual property, as there were but few 
merchant vessels at that period ; several of the British squadron 
were of this class, though they had subsequently been refitted 
and armed. 

Here again was a lack of knowledge of the frontier on the 
part of the Government. The naval force upon Lake Erie 
should at first have been placed under a separate command, as 
Ghauncey had his hands full upon Lake Ontario, and of course 
could give but little attention to the operations on Lake Erie. 
Again, the men should have been sent direct from Philadelphia, 
instead of round by New York and Sackett's Harbor to Erie — • 
making nearly double the distance. Many of the carpenters, 
sailmakers, blockmakers, &c., came from Philadelphia, then 
why not the seamen ? Had this course been pursued. Perry 
would have been on the lake with his squadron and captured 
the enemy's fleet before they could have got out their large 
ship, " Detroit ;" as also have co-operated with Harrison, and 
relieved the western end of the lake of the continued harassing 
they suffered. Once supreme upon the lake, the enemy would 
have withdrawn his forces to Maiden and the Detriot River. 
Perry having established a recruiting station on shore to enlist 
landsmen from the troops, with the permission of the com- 
manding officer, had succeeded in getting about one hundred. 
In the meantime, Lieutenant John Brooks, Perry's chief marine 
officer, had enlisted some forty men as marines. Perry now 
concluded he had enough— some three hundred, after landing 
the invalids — to cope with the enemy before they got their new 
ship (" Detroit ") out ; and a further incentive for a forward 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 27 

move, was that there was a report that the enemy were en- 
deavoring to concentrate a heavy force at Long Point, from 
whence the troops were to be transported with the fleet to 
some point near Erie, where the troops and Indians were to 
be landed and act in conjunction with their fleet in an attempt 
to destroy the village and vessels. Perry hastily informed the 
Department that he apprehended no danger of their getting 
possession of the vessels, provided they did capture the village, 
as the vessels were off at anchor in the bay, where their fleet 
could not enter, and he could defend them against an attack 
from the shore. 

The enemy not being in the offing, and everything being 
ready for a move. Perry got his vessels under way and moved 
down to the entrance of the channel, when preparations were 
immediately made for getting the heavy vessels over the bar. 
This was on Sunday, August 1st. In the afternoon General 
Mead and staff visited the Lawrence, and were received with a 
salute. The General was much pleased with the warlike ap- 
pearance of the vessels, particularly the "Lawrence" and 
" Niagara." The General had rendered valuable services in 
various ways in the building of the squadron, and in prepara- 
tions for their defense ; and Perry availed himself of this 
opportunity to tender him hearty thanks, not only on his own 
account, but in behalf of the Navy Department. 

The " Lawrence" and " Niagara" were twin vessels in every 
respect — built from the same models, fitted and armed alike, 
and were full-rigged brigs. At the present day they would be 
considered small^ but at that period they were immense. The 
people from the interior, on hearing the report of the guns in 



28 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

firing the salute for General Mead, hastened to the village, 
expecting that the enemy was making an attack. The large 
vessels were a great curiosity, and looked formidable, in their 
eyes, in comparison with the small craft they had been accus- 
tomed to see ; and the big gum were giants of destruction in 
their estimation. They felt proud of the formidable appear- 
ance of our " war ships," and rejoiced that we now had a 
naval force able to cope with the British fleet, which had 
so Ions: controled the lakes, and menaced us so frequently — 
"Gould meet the enemy and make them ours." They felt 
that there would soon be an end to the frequent alarms, and 
the imaginary war-whoop of the Indian would no longer haunt 
their midnight slumbers. They could now go to their homes 
and feel a security they had not felt for the last year. 

Early on the morning of the 2d, Mr. Dobbins took charge of 
the " Lawrence " as pilot, and kedged her to the entrance of 
the channel, he having sounded and buoyed it out the day 
before. The water was found to be quite low, in consequence 
of the east wind. The " Niagara " was then kedged up near 
the bar and moored with springs upon her cables, her port 
broadside facing the roadstead. The smaller vessels were then 
moored in a somewhat similar manner, and preparations made 
to defend the " Lawrence " while on the bar. The work of 
getting out the guns, ballast, and other heavy matter went on 
briskly on board the " Lawrence," and in three hours every- 
thing was removed to the sand beach, the guns being rolled up 
on timbers so that they could be quickly reshipped should oc- 
casion require. The fallacious yarn of the guns being " hoisted 
out with the charges in them and placed in boats which were 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 29 

dropped astern," is novel in the extreme, and does injustice to 
the inteUigence of Perry. The absurdity, if not danger^ of 
rousing loaded guns about in this way, particularly amongst the 
sand, must be obvious to any one, but more particularly to 
those familiar with handling and practicing with ordnance. 
This attempt to show extraordinary preparation for an attack 
condemns itself, as it is well known it takes but a few moments 
to load a gun with prepared ammunition. Again, it has been 
recorded that a '' water battery of three long 12-pounders had 
been mounted upon the beach,'" &c. This is also error; they 
were mounted in the redoubt on the bank of the lake, where 
the land lighthouse now stands, some 100 feet above the water, 
and completely commanding the channel. There was also the 
" field battery " on Garrison hill, directly abreast of the channel. 
The " camels " were immediately got alongside of the " Law- 
rence," timbers placed athwart the vessel, with the ends 
resting upon the " camels," and the necessary preparations 
made for lifting. 

These " camels " were an invention of Mr. Brown ; were 
oblong, with square ends, 90 feet long, 40 feet wide, and six 
feet depth of hold, with a strong deck. They had two holes 
cut through the bottom, six inches square, with curbs to guide 
the long plugs to the holes when required. The " camels " 
were placed one on each side, as before stated, the plugs taken 
out and the " camels " filled, the heavy timbers thrust through 
the port-holes, the blocking and lashing secured, when the 
holes were plugged up, and the pumps set at work. Thus, as 
the water was discharged, the vessel was lifted. Owing to 
continued easterly winds, causing low water, the operations 



30 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

with the " camels" had to be repeated before the " Lawrence " 
could be floated. After a laborious task, night and day, she 
was got over on the morning of the 4th, and towed out to her 
anchorage. As a sample of the never-flagging energy of Perry, 
by two o'clock P. M. everything was replaced, guns mounted, 
a salute fired, and she ready for action. The "Niagara" was 
now towed to the entrance of the channel, and preparations 
made to lighten her, while the " camels " were being prepared 
for their work. 



CHAPTER VI. 



IN THE meantime, early in the morning, the enemy made 
their appearance in the offing, and hove-to to reconnoitre, 
when about eight miles out. The smaller vessels having been 
taken over the bar with but little trouble, were all anchored 
with the " Lawrence ;" the wind was from the southeast and 
weather hazy. Perry, expecting them to attack, made hasty 
arrangements to give them as warm a reception as possible ; 
and, if necessary, to run the " Lawrence " ashore under the 
guns of the battery on the bank, which, with the field battery 
on Garrison hill, and many of the " Niagara's " guns (the bal- 
ance being still on board) which had been hastily mounted 
upon the beach, including the heavy guns of the smaller ves- 



fo 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 31 

sels, the enemy would have had their hands full. After 
reconnoitering for an hour or so, they bore up and stood across 
the lake. At this moment Mr. Dobbins had arrived alongside 
with a launch loaded with shot. Perry called him aft to make 
enquiries in regard to the appearance of the coast from the 
offing, he (Perry) having never had an opportunity to observe. 
Mr. D. told him " The shoreline would show quite indistinct at 
the distance the enemy were out, in consequence of the hazy 
weather and the high land in the rear ; he then called Perry's 
attention to the fact that the vessels were all heading the same 
course of the "Niagara," and she hard aground on the bar. 
Perry at once exclaimed, " They have been deceived — they 
think the vessels are all over the bar, but not quite ready ; bear 
a hand sir with the lighters — hurry up everything on the 
beach," &c. Perry wishing to know the course they would 
take, dispatched the schooner " Ariel," Lieutenant Packett, to 
follow them at a distance and ascertain, if possible. On the 
return of the " Ariel " Packett reported that they had gone to 
Long Point, which was afterwards ascertained to be the fact. 
It was afterwards known, also, that after landing a courier they 
bore up the lake for Maiden, and never showed themselves 
outside of the mouth of Detroit River until their encounter 
with our squadron on the 10th of September. 

Some authors have it, that " Perry sent out the schooners 
" Scorpion," Sailing Master Ghamplain, and " Ariel," Lieutenant 
Packett, to annoy the enemy at long shot, and keep them at 
bay,' ' &c. This is error ; the above is correct. The absence of 
the enemy was more to the liking of the gallant Perry Wian 
i\iQ.\v presence at this particular time. It would have been con- 



32 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 



sidered an absurdity to send two small schooners off into the 
lake to " annoy and keep at bay " the whole British fleet. 
Should they have got within range of the enemy, they must 
necessarily be within range of the enemy's long guns ; and a 
little erippling of the schooners would be sure to lead to capture, 
as the wind was ahead to return. Besides, by being delayed, 
they might have discovered the true position of our vessels ; 
as the sun rose it would clear away the haze, with probably a 
shift of wind, when the vessels afloat would swing to the wind 
and show the position of the " Niagara." This would be poor 
strategy, and Perry knew his business better than to adopt 
such. These facts have been stated to the writer by Mr. Dobbins 
— and he has heard other officers conversing upon the subject, 
including Lieutenant Packett. Besides all this, Mr. D., in a 
conversation with Lieutenant Rollett, a Provincial officer in his 
Majesty's service, with whom he was acquainted previous to 
the war, says he " was attached to the '' Lady Provost " at this 
time, and that they were deceived precisely in the same relation 
Perry had conjectured — that they well knew the purpose for 
which the " Ariel " had been sent out, and endeavored to de- 
ceive her until she was wefl out of sight on her return." 

The enemy having made off, the work of lightening on 
board the " Niagara " went on rapidly — in a few hours every- 
thing was on the beach, and the " camels " at work. In the 
meantime the wind had shifted to the westward, which raised 
the water, and the next day she was floated, armed, and fully 
equipped for battle. The schooners " Ohio" and "Amelia" 
were left inside for the presei:ii, the " Amelia " being con- 
demned as unseaworthy. 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 33 

Perry now had his squadron all safely in the lake, and, with 
the exception of the proper complement of men, was ready to 
meet the enemy. 

When the British squadron had made their last visit but one 
to Erie, they went to Port Dover, on the Main, in the rear of 
Long Point, where Commodore Barclay and officers had been 
invited to dine with the inhabitants. In reply to a compli- 
mentary toast, Barclay said, " I expect to find the Yankee brigs 
hard and fast aground on the bar at Erie when I return ; in 
which predicament it will be but a short job to destroy them." 
The result of this " return " I have already stated. However, 
had he made the attempt, he would have found it more of a 
"job" than he anticipated. 



CHAPTER VII. 



>r(i 



HE whole country was in a blaze of glory over the victory 
J- of the 10th of September, and yet Perry was deserving of 
full as much credit for having got up his squadron under such 
unfavorable circumstances. Had the Government placed 
the operations on the upper lakes under a sepcu'ate command, 
many of the difficulties woul^i have been obviated. It is but 
natural to presume that Chaijiicey would not send fall supplies 
from Lake Ontario, unless there was a surplus over and above 
o ■ 



34 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

a sufficiency to fully arm, equip, officer and man his own im- 
mediate command ; consequently Perry usually received but a 
scanty share. And, to make matters worse, seamen on the 
seaboard were averse to this lake service, and volunteering was 
up-hill business. These were some of the many difficulties 
Perry had to labor under; and frequent appeals to Ghauncey 
had but little effect. Although but twenty-seven years of age, 
Perry had the decision of character and promptness to act of a 
veteran — to give or obey an order was imperative. Of a sedate 
and serious turn of mind, he never was addicted to profanity 
or light levity ; of courteous and charitable impulses, his de- 
portment was such as to command respect under all circum- 
stances. 

The squadron being fully armed and equiped, but only about 
half manned, and many of these enlisted from the militia, and 
receiving, almost daily, communications from the Department 
and General Harrison urging him to move and co-operate with 
Harrison, and those from the Department almost amounting to 
censure^ his state of mind can well be imagined. Overworked 
in both body and mind, it is astonishing that he did not break 
down under his troubles. However, he was determined to 
do his duty to his country, and make the best of the circum- 
stances. 

It was now ascertained through General Porter, of Black 
Rock, that the enemy were concentrating a force at Port Dover 
or Long Point, to be moved by, and act in conjuction with, their 
squadron in a move upon Erie. However, it failed for the 
want of a sufficiency of troops at the proper time. 

Perry determined not to be idle while waiting for officers 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 35 

and men, and concluding he could cope with the enemy before 
they got their new heavy ship out, made ready to sail for Long 
Point and the Canada shore in pursuit. His vessels being but 
half manned, he got a supply of volunteers from the army, and 
sailed at four o'clock A. M. on the 6th of August. The com- 
manders of the several vessels on this short cruise were as 
follows, viz : " Lawrence," (flagship) Commodore Perry ; " Ni- 
agara," Lieutenant Daniel Turner ; " Caledonia," Purser Hum- 
phrey Magrath; "Ariel," Acting Lieutenant John Packet; 
''Scorpion," Sailing Master Stephen Champlin ; ." Somers," 
Sailing Master Thomas Almy ; " Tigress," Master's Mate A. 
McDonald; "Porcupine," Midshipm.an George Senat. The 
" Ohio " and " Trippe " were left behind for want of crews. 
Upon reaching Long Point, and seeing nothing of the enemy, 
stood for the mainland, and after sweeping the coast for some 
distance and making no discoveries returned to their anchorage 
at Erie and awaited the expected reinforcements. 

Immediately preparations were made for another cruise, and 
during the 7th and 8th provisions and stores were got on board. 
It has been said by some authors, that a large amount of mili- 
tary stores for General Harrison's army at Sandusky were 
taken on board. This is erroneous ; there were but little, if any 
such at Erie, and furthermore, the vessels had only capacity 
for their own supplies, and berth-deck room for their crews — 
to say nothing of their expecting to meet the enemy on the 
cruise up the Lakes ; and with the vessels hampered up with 
extra stores, of course their efficiency would be very much 
decreased. 

Perry now hesitated about assuming the responsibility of 



36 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

encountering the enemy with his vessels but half manned, 
particularly as they would be soon reinforced by their new ship 
"Detroit," and was discussing the matter with Purser Hamilton 
at his lodgings on shore, when Midshipman John B. Mont- 
gomery made his appearance and presented him a letter from 
Lieutenant Jesse D. Elliot, then on his way to join the squadron 
with a number of officers and ninety men. This was joyful 
news for Perry, and he immediately repaired on board, to 
dispatch the "Ariel," Lieutenant Packet, down the coast to 
meet them and hasten their arrival. The " Ariel " returned 
on the 10th, and the officers and men were immediately dis- 
tributed among the squadron. They proved to be a much 
superior class to those previously recieved, which was very 
gratifying to Perry. Elliot immediately superseded Turner in 
command of the " Niagara. " 

At this time the commissions, which had been made out for 
some time, were received via. Commodore Ghauncey. By these 
changes, Elliot became Master-Commander, (the same grade as 
Perry) Holdup, Packett,' Yarnell, Edwards, and Conkling, were 
promoted to the rank of Lieutenant — they having been previous- 
ly acting as such. 

Mr. Dobbins, who had been actively engaged on general duty 
while getting the vessels over the bar, was now ordered to the 
" Ohio," to " get her over the bar as soon as possible, and to 
engage three good pilots immediately." The pilots engaged 
were Azial Wilkinson, James Lee, and one other, the name not 
remembered. 

The squadron now being ready sailed on a course to the 
head of the lake on the morning of the 12th of August, and 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 37 

consisted of the following vessels, including their commanders 
and armament, viz : " Lawrence," (flagship) eighteen 32-pound 
canonades and two long 12-pounder3, Commodore 0. H. Perry ; 
" Niagara," same armament, Captain Jesse D. Elliot ; " Cale- 
donia," three long 12-pounders, Purser Humphrey Magrath 
"Ariel," four long 12-pounders, Lieutenant John Packett 
" Trippe," one long 32-pounder, Lieutenant Joseph E. Smith 
" Tigress," one long 32-pounder, Lieutenant A. H. M. Conkling 
"Somers," one long 24-pounder and one long 12-pounder, 
Sailing Master Thomas C. Almy ; " Scorpion," one long 24- 
pounder and one long 12-pounder, Sailing Master Stephen 
Champlin ; "Ohio," one long 24-pounder, Sailing Master Daniel 
Dobbins; "Porcupine," one long 32-pounder, Midshipman 
George Senat. The order of saihng, attack, recognition in the 
night, &c., was fully and ingeniously arranged, much to the 
credit of so young a commander. 

On the 16th, the squadron arrived off Cunningham's (Kelly's) 
Island, without having seen or heard of the enemy. The wind 
was ahead, and as the vessels were working up there was a 
small schooner discovered coming out of Put-in-Bay, when 
the " Scorpion," being a fast sailor, gave chase, and would have 
captured her, but, unfortunately, grounded on a reef off Middle 
Boss Island, and the little craft made good her escape to 
Canada. She proved afterwards to be the " Ottawa," pre- 
viously captured at Maumee, and was cruising among the 
islands to watch the motions of our vessels. 

The next day the squadron anchored off Sandusky, and 
Perry dispatched an officer with a boat to Lower Sandusky to 
inform General Harrison of his arrival with the squadron. On 



38 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

the day following the General and staff, including Colonels 
Cass, McArthur and Gaines, as also Major Craghan, and some 
twenty chiefs of the Wyandotte, Shawnee, and Delaware 
Indians, came down. Among the chiefs were Crane, Blackfoot, 
Captain Tommy, and others. The object of bringing down 
the Indians was that they might see the " big canoes " and the 
" big guns," and then report to those of their tribes who had 
joined the enemy, what they might expect when a fight 
took place. The Indians expressed great astonishment, more 
particularly when the salute was fired in honor of General 
Harrison's visit. After due consideration it was agreed to 
make Put-in-Bay the present rendezvous, to which place Perry 
moved with his squadron and Harrison and party returned to 
camp. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



ON THE 25th, Perry got underway with his squadron from 
Put-in-Bay, and stood across the head of the lake for 
Maiden, to see if he could not draw the enemy out. He dis- 
covered them at anchor inside of Bar Point, and directly in 
the mouth of Detroit River, and there being a heavy battery 
on Bar Point, within range, he concluded it to be not practi- 
cable to make an attack at this time. He could see from the 
offing that they were not yet reinforced by their new ship. 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 39 

At this juncture much sickness was in the squadron, con- 
sisting of bilious fever, dysentery, and chills ; those mostly 
affected were from the seaboard. The change from salt to 
fresh water, coupled with impure salt provisions and few veg- 
etables, was fruitful of disease, and Perry was taken down 
himself, and a number of his officers, including Surgeons Bar- 
ton and Parsons ; the latter, with honorable self-devotion, 
continued his work, though he had to be carried in a cot to 
visit the sick. 

On the 31st the squadron received a welcome reinforcement 
from General Harrison's army, in the way of fifty volunteers, 
including several officers and one doctor, viz : W. T. Taliaffero. 
They were mostly from Kentucky, and many of them had been 
boatmen on the Western rivers, which, as " watermen," gave 
them a slight knowledge of the duties they were required to 
perform. They were immediately distributed throughout the 
squadron to serve as " marines," in place of the " n:arine 
guard " which had been promised from Lake Ontario. This 
brought the muster-roll up to about 490, all told. Great atten- 
tion was paid to drilling the men in their various duties, and 
in making every preparation for battle, as it was daily antici- 
pated. Perry became convalescent after a week's confinement, 
and was able to take the deck again, and got the squadron 
underway for a second visit to Maiden. On his arrival off that 
place he found they had their new ship "Detroit" fully 
equipped and at anchor with the rest of their squadron. Perry 
stood off and on all day, but they did not accept his banter, so 
he bore away for Sandusky again to communicate with Harri- 
son. Upon his return he found letters from the Secretary of 



40 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

the Navy, the contents of which were a source of mortification. 
It appeared the frequent calls upon Ghauncey for reinforce- 
ments had prompted that officer to answer with a pungent 
and sarcastic letter. This so offended Perry that he applied to 
be "detached from the command on Lake Erie" — assigning as 
a reason that " it was unpleasant to serve under a commander 
who had so little regard for his feelings," &c. These letters 
from the Secretary, though rebuking him for his frequent calls 
for officers and men, and also somewhat censuring him for what 
the Department deemed "extravagant expenditures," closed 
with an appeal to his patriotism, and soothed his lacerated 
feelings with assurances of the confidence the Department repos- 
ed in him, and at the same counseled conciliation with Ghauncey. 
On the same day he answered with a temperate and respectfu{ 
reply, vindicating his conduct and rebutting the charges 
brought against him ; the effect of which was to not only sat- 
isfy the Secretary, but finally restored kindly relations between 
Ghauncey and himself. 

Some change of officers now took place ; Lieutenant Smith 
was ordered to the " Niagara," and Lieutenant Turner to the 
command of the " Galedonia," Magrath to the " Niagara," in 
his legitimate capacity as Purser, and Lieutenant Holdup to 
the command of the " Trippe." Mr. Dobbins had been dis- 
patched to Erie for supplies and armament, as per the follow- 
ing order: 

"U. S. S. Lawrence, \ 

" Off Sandusky, August 22d, 1813. / 
" Sir : — You will proceed with the " Ohio " to Erie for the 
purpose of taking on board that vessel provisions and such 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 41 

other articles as are mentioned in the several requisitions you 
have in your possession. 

" You will use every exertion to return to this place with all 
possible speed ; and on not finding the squadron at this place 
you will proceed to Put-in-Bay and there await our arrival. 
" Very respectfully, &c., 

"0. H. PERRY. 
" Sailing Master Dobbins, commanding Schooner ' Ohio.'' " 

The following signals were to be observed : 

" Off Sandusky, August 22d, 1813. 
" On the appearance of any of the U. S. vessels of war off 
this place she will hoist her ensign at the main masthead and 
fire a gun. After an interval of ten minutes she will fire two 
guns. 

"0. H. PERRY. 
" U. S. Schooner, Ohio.' " 

The " Ohio " returned to Sandusky on the 3d of September, 
without meeting with any of the enemy's cruisers or other 
mishap, and was immediately dispatched on a similar trip, as 
the stock of provisions was small, and the beef not fit for use. 
The beef and pork had been put up in haste by the contractors 
at Erie, and, of course, carelessly, consequently it had nearly 
all become putrid when exposed to summer weather. (The 
" Ohio " was at anchor in the roadstead at Erie taking in arma- 
ment and stores on the day of the battle, and Mr. Dobbins dis- 
tinctly heard the cannonading.) 

The season being too far advanced for a lengthy campaign, 
and the enemy's squadron showing no disposition for an imme- 
diate encounter, the matter was canvassed in regard to making 
I a combined attack upon Maiden with our naval and military 



42 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

forces. The most favored project was to transport the forces 
of Harrison to one of the islands near the Canada shore, and 
from thence, transported in a body, via the vessels of the 
squadron, including boats, to some point in Pigeon Bay, say 
twenty miles below Maiden, and move upon that post. After 
landing the troops the squadron was to stand up to the river 
and attack their vessels at anchor, provided their squadron did 
not previously come out and attack. However, the project was 
given up as impracticable. 

At this time three men, favorable to our cause, made their 
escape from Maiden and communicated to Perry much valuable 
information, viz : That the forces at Maiden were very short of 
provisions ; and that a council of military and naval command- 
ers was held, and determined their squadron should sail and 
give battle to ours on the lake, or make an attempt to open 
communication with Long Point, their depot of supplies. These 
men also gave information in regard to their squadron, arma- 
ment, &c. Their flagship, " Detroit," Commodore Barclay, was 
armed with nineteen long guns ; the " Queen Charlotte," Cap- 
tain Finnis, seventeen carronades ; " Lady Provost," Lieutenant 
Commander Buchan, thirteen long guns ; brig " Hunter," Lieu- 
tenant Bignall, ten guns, (mixed armament ;) " Little Belt," 
three guns ; schooner " Chippewa," Master Campbell, one 
heavy gun ; with 32 officers and 490 men, including troops 
serving as marines, and volunteers. According to this infor- 
mation the number of officers and men of the two squadrons 
were about equal, though the British had the advantage in two 
respects, viz : their soldiers serving as marines were veterans^ 
and, of course, superior to the raw troops Perry received from 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 43 

Harrison's army and obtained at Erie. Secondly, there were 
over one hundred on the sick list in our squadron ; whereas 
theirs were just out of port, and all in health. In regard to 
commanders the advantage was decidedly with the British, 
^ere was a young and inexperienced officer, who had never 
been in even a single engagement ship to ship, much less 
squadron against squadron ; in fact, had never seen any war 
service, except in the Mediterranean during the Tripolitan dis- 
turbance, when a midshipman ; and for a short time in command 
of a flotilla of gunboats at Newport, R. I. With a hastily got 
up squadron and armament — sickness prevailing among the 
officers and crews of his vessels, and himself but just arisen 
from a bed of sickness — he was about to grapple with a veteran 
who had served with distinction under the world-wide re- 
nowned Nelson in the battle of Trafalgar, as also in several 
other naval combats ; and now in command of a squadron 
which, with the exception of one ship and two of the small 
vessels, had been cruising as war vessels for one year under 
Captain Finnis, an experienced officer, and now second under 
Barclay. However, the gallant young Perry somewhat made 
up for his want of experience by his redoubtable energy and 
courage, counseled by his intuitive wisdom. Such a word as 
fail was not to be found in his vocabulary. 

On the evening of the 9th of September, as the squadron lay 
at anchor in Put-in-Bay, Perry summoned his commanders 
on board the " Lawrence '' to receive their final instructions. 
He claimed the honor of fighting the enemy's flagship with the 
" Lawrence ;" the " Niagara " was allotted the " Queen Char- 
lotte," and so on. He also showed them his " fighting flag," 



44 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

which had been prepared before he left Erie, and on which 
was inscribed the last words of the gallant and lamented Law- 
rence, " Don't give up the Ship." When the flolds of this flag 
were thrown to the breeze from the main masthead of the 
" Lawrence " it was the signal to close with the enemy. He 
also enjoined upon them the advice of Nelson to his command- 
ers in going into battle, viz: ''If you lay the enemy close 
alongside you can't be out of your place." The? officers now 
returned to their respective vessels to reflect upon coming 
events, and the duties enjoined upon them by their gallant 
young chief. 

General Harrison had stationed a few companies of troops at 
Put-in-Bay to guard the rendezvous, as also to render assist- 
ance to the squadron should the enemy attempt an attack with 
their vessels, and troops in boats, by boarding in the night 
whilst ours were at anchor in this rather small haven. The 
distance from Canada being but about forty miles, the project 
was considered practicable in this summer weather and a dark 
night, with a moderate, fair wind. 



CHAPTER IX. 



/ I \HE evening of the 9th of September was one of those 

J- beautiful Autumnal evenings peculiar to the lake region. 

The moon was at its full ; the gentle land breeze was rippling 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 45 

the waters of the beautiful haven and rustling the leaves of 
the surrounding forest. Occasionally was heard the hum of 
voices at the camp-fires on the shore, accompanied by the 
"peep " of the frogs in " Squaw Harbor," a small inlet on the 
west side of Put-in-Bay ; and heaven appeared to smile upon 
those here gathered for the deadly strife of the succeeding day. 
The officers were sauntering around the quarter-deck, enjoying 
social converse, or canvassing the probable result of the coming 
battle, which they knew must be close at hand. In this circle 
on board the " Lawrence " none were more jovial and gay than 
the gifted and gallant Brooks, the commander of marines on 
board the " Lawrence." Ever noted for his genial spirit and 
social qualities, as well as manly beauty, he was a favorite 
wherever he went ; and yet, alas ! so soon to be sacrified upon 
the altar of his country. At the other end of the ship, "Jack" 
was also enjoying himself — seated upon a gun-carriage, hatch- 
combing or forecastle, cracking jokes, spinning yarns, or dis- 
cussing the prospects of prize-money. Shortly the scene was 
changed — the announcement, " eight bells," followed by the 
sharp note of the boatswain's call — " Ail hands stand by your 
hammocks," given in that deep sonorous voice peculiar to his 
oftice — followed by the shrill fife and rattling drum in the 
tattoo on shore. The " watch below " were soon quietly 
sleeping in their hammocks — dreaming, probably, of distant 
dear ones, and quiet homes ; or, mayhap, the booming of can- 
non, and slaughter and carnage fretting their slumbers. Alas ! 
too true ; many now sleeping so c[uietly, ere the same hour of 
the succeeding night, their mangled bodies would be resting 
upon the bottom of Lake Erie, wrapped in the same hammocks 



46 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

they were now enjoying in their peaceful slumbers. This is 
the calm before the storm — the human mind at rest ere it is 
aroused to the frenzy of strife. Yes, such was the scene at 
Put-in-Bay the night before the battle. 

As the sun rose on the morning of the 10th, " sail, ho !" was 
shouted from the lookout at the masthead of the " Lawrence.'. < 
" Where away ?" responded Lieutenant Forest, the officer of 
the deck. " To the northward and westward, in the direction 
of Detroit River," replied the lookout. The news was imme- 
diately communicated to the Commodore, and soon all were 
astir on board. The vessels of the enemy now began to lift 
one by one above the horizon, until six were counted. Soon 
the signal " Underway to get " was flying from the main mast- 
head of the " Lawrence," and in half an hour the whole squad- 
ron were beating out of the narrow passage, with the wind 
light from the southwest. Rattlesnake Island lying immedi- 
ately in front. Perry was endeavoring to weather it, and thereby 
keep the weather gauge. Much time was taken up in this 
effort, and Perry, becoming impatient, had given the order to 
" bear up " and go to the leeward of the island, as he was 
" determined to fight the enemy that day." Suddenly the 
wind shifted to the southeast, which enabled them to clear the 
island to windward, which secured the wind of the enemy. 
About this time, ten o'clock A. M., the enemy seeing our squad- 
ron clearing the land, hove-to on the port tack with their heads 
to the westward, the squadrons being now about eight miles 
apart. 

The American squadron had been formed with the " Niagara " 
in the van, as it was expected the " Queen Charlotte " would 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 47 

lead the enemy. It was now discovered their line was formed 
differently. Perry then ordered the " Niagara " to heave-to 
until the " Lawrence " came up with her, when Perry held a 
conversation with Captain Brevoort, the acting marine officer 
of the " Niagara," who was well acquainted with the vessels of 
the enemy and their armament, all except the " Detroit," and 
gave the requisite information. The line of the enemy was 
formed as follows, viz : the schooner " Chippewa " in the lead ; 
next, their flagship " Detroit ;" then brig " Queen Charlotte ;" 
then brig " Hunter ;" then schooner " Lady Provost ;" the 
sloop " Little Belt " coming last, as named, in close order 
on-a-wind, with their heads to the westward 

Perry now changed his line — which was the work of only a 
few moments — and arranged it as follows, viz : The " Law- 
rence " to lead and meet the " Detroit," with the " Scorpion " 
and " Ariel " on her weather-bow — they being fast sailing 
schooners — to act as dispatch vessels to carry orders, if neces- 
sary, and to support any portion of the Hne, should it be re- 
quired ; the brig " Caledonia " next, to meet the " Hunter ;" 
then the " Niagara," to meet the " Queen Charlotte ;" the other 
vessels, viz : Schooners " Somers," " Porcupine," " Tigress " and 
" Trippe," in line as named, to engage as they came up, with- 
out naming their particular opponents. There being a three- 
knot breeze at this time, 10:30 A. M., and the line being formed 
they all bore away for the enemy in gallant style. Perry now 
brought forth his "battle flag," previously named, and having 
mustered the crew aft on board the " Lawrence," unfolded the 
flag, and mounting a gun-slide, addressed them : " My brave 
lads, the inscription on this flag is the last words of the gallant 



48 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

Captain Lawrence, after whom this vessel is named, viz : 
^ DorCt give up the Ship P shall I hoist it?'' "Aye, yie, sir," 
was the unanimous response ; when away it sped to the mast- 
head of the " Lawrence," and when the roll was broken and 
the folds given to the breeze three hearty cheers were given for 
the flag and three more for their gallant commander, the spirit 
of which was taken up by the different vessels as the flag was 
descried, and one continuous cheer along the line was the 
response to the motto, " DonH give up the Ship /" As the 
ordinary dinner hour would find them in the midst of deadly 
strife. Perry ordered the noon-day grog to be served, when the 
bread bags and kids were produced for lunch. Perry now 
visited every portion of the deck, examining every gun and 
fixture. For every one he had a pleasant word of encourage- 
ment ; for the Constitutions, the New Porters, the hunting 
skirted Kentuckian, the gallant boys from the Keystone State, 
&c., each were kindly and encouragingly greeted. 

For a time a death-like silence prevailed, and the approach- 
ing warriors appeared to be absorbed in thought. The lake 
was smooth, and the gentle breeze wafted the vessels along 
without apparent motion. This lasted for an hour and a half, 
as our squadron gallantly approached the enemy, steering for 
the head of their line, on a course forming an acute angle of 
fifteen degrees. All necessary arrangements had been made 
for the coming strife ; the decks had been sprinkled with sand 
to give a foot-hold when blood began to flow, and the stilhiess 
of this hour was occupied mostly in arranging and interchang- 
ing of friendship offerings to be sent to friends in case of death, 
and such kindly offices for the survivors to execute. 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 49 

CHAPTER X. 




S OUR vessels gradually approached the enemy in the 
^A^iight breeze, it reminded one of two gladiators in the 
arena, the one standing at bay in his allotted position awaiting 
the approach of his antagonist, as the latter gradually moved 
up to the combat. The British vessels presented a fine ap- 
pearance ; their line was compact as they lay hove-to with 
their heads to the westward, their newly painted sides, white 
sails, and bright red ensigns, as they tended to the breeze in 
the glowing September sun. Their movements and condition 
showed that a seaman and master-spirit held them in hand. 

At half-past eleven A. M. the wind had become very light, 
though our leading vessels were all up in their stations, viz : 
Within halfcable's-length of each other, but the gunboats 
were somewhat distant and scattered. The " Trippe," the last 
of the line, was nearly two miles astern, in consequence of 
being a poor sailor, particularly in a light wind, and yet her 
gallant commander. Lieutenant Holdup, was using sweeps and 
other means of getting his vessel up into her station. 

At a quarter before twelve M. the mellow sound of a bugle 
was heard from the "Detroit" — the signal for cheers along 
their line, and which was followed by " Rule Brittania" from 
their band. Directly a shot from one of the " Detroit's " Ion 
guns was thrown at the " Lawrence," but fell short, the dis- 
tance being about a mile and a half. Thus the long silence 
was broken. A few minutes later a second shot was sent 
from the "Detroit," which took effect upon the "Lawrence," 

'J 



cr 

o 



50 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

when a fire was opened with all their long guns upon the 
'•Lawrence;" their line being in compact order, they were all 
W'ithin range of that vessel and the two schooners. Perry now 
ordered Lieutenant Yarnall (the executive officer) to hail the 
" Scorpion " and order her to commence firing with her heavy 
gun. The order was instantly complied with by Mr. Ghamplin, 
and was soon followed with a shot from the "Ariel." Perry 
finding these shots took effect, the " Lawrence " opened with 
her chase gun forward, w^hich was followed by a discharge from 
the " Caledonia." The long guns of the enemy began to tell 
heavily upon the " Lawrence," when Perry brought her by the 
wind, and tried a division of the carronades ; it was at once 
discovered the shot fell short. At this moment Elliot ordered 
the " Caledonia " to bear-up and make room for the " Niagara " 
to pass to the assistance of the " Lawrence " Perry now bore 
up and ran down to within half-musket shot of the " Detroit," 
when he brought his vessel by the wind on the port tack, with 
her maintopsail aback, and commenced with her broadside 
battery in good earnest. The "Caledonia" having followed 
the " Lawrence," was closely engaged with the " Lady Provost " 
— the " Scorpion " and " Ariel " having followed the " Law- 
rence," and keeping their places on her weather-bow, were 
using their heavy guns to good advantage. The " Niagara," 
however, instead of following the "Lawrence" into close action, 
kept her wind with her maintopsail aback, using her two long 
12's, being completely out of range with the carronades, her 
broadside battery ; consequently the battle, for a time, was main- 
ly by the "Lawrence," "Caledonia," "Scorpion," and "Ariel" 
fighting the whole British squadron, assisted only by the two 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 51 

long 12's of the '' Niagara," and the distant random shots from 
the headmost gunboats. 

At this juncture the "Queen Charlotte" finding her 24-pound 
carronades (her broadside battery) would not reach the " Ni- 
ajara," ordered the "Hunter" to make room for her to pass 
and close with the " Detriot, ' from which position she could 
use her short guns to advantage upon the " Lawrence." In 
this situation the " Lawrence " sustained the fire of these two 
heavy vessels, as also random shots from the others, for over 
two hours, and until every gun was dismounted, two-thirds of 
her crew either killed or wounded, and so badly cut up aloft 
as to be unmanageable. The gallant Perry finding he could 
do nothing more with the " Lawrence," ordered the only boat 
left him alongside, and leaving Lieutenant Yarnall to surrender 
her to the enemy, should it become necessary, took his " fight- 
ing flag " under his arm and pulled for the " Niagara," then 
passing the " Lawrence's " weather-beam on a wind, to gain 
the head of the enemy's line. In the meantime, the enemy 
seeing they had rendered the "Lawrence" ^^hors du cmnbat,^^ 
and in the act of striking her colors, filled away with their 
heads to the westward — cheering along their line, and feeling 
certain the day would be theirs — the while temporarily repair- 
ing damages, evidently designing to get their vessels upon the 
other tack, and gaining the weather gauge, or, if not that, to 
gel room to wear and thereby bring their starboard sides (which 
were comparatively fresh) to bear upon our vessels. 

Perry, on reaching the " Niagara," was met at the gangway 
by Elliot. It is claimed by some of the officers of the " Niag- 
ara " that he spoke somewhat despondently, and much out of 
humor at the gunboats not getting up in time. 



52 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

Elliot spoke encouragingly, and, anticipating Perry's wish, 
offered to take the boat, pull astern, and bring the gunboats up 
into close action, which proposition was thankiully accepted by 
Perry, and Elliot immediately started upon his mission. A 
breeze at this time (quarter past two P. M.) springing up, both 
squadrons gradually drew ahead— the "Lawrence" dropping 
out of the line. By apparent consent of both parties there 
was a general cessation of firing, and, as it would appear, both 
preparing for the desperate and final struggle. Under the 
freshening breeze the "Niagara" had obtained a commanding 
position abreast the " Detroit," with the " Queen Charlotte " 
following immediately in the wake of that vessel. The gun- 
boats, in the meantime, by using every exertion and with the 
freshening breeze, were getting up within range with their heavy 
guns, using round shot and grape upon the enemy's two heavy 
vessels, having been ordered to cease firing upon th(? smaller 
ones by Elliot, and he taking command of the '* Somers," the 
headmost one, himself. 

At forty-five minutes past two, the gunboats being well up, 
the "^Caledonia" in good position on the "Niagara's" Ice- 
quarter, and all ready for a final effort, Perry showed the signal 
for ''close action'' from the " Niagara," then under fore and 
main topsails, top gallantsails, foresail, jib, and fore and aft 
mainsail, bore up for the enemy's line. The enemy, in the 
meantime, having discovered the intention of Perry, viz : to 
break through their line, the " Detroit " bore up to prevent being 
raked, and the " Queen Charlotte " attempted to pass the 
" Detroit " to leeward and meet the " Niagara " broadside-on 
after she had passed through their line, the "Detroit" to follow. 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 53 

and cross her stern. However, the " Niagara " came down so 
rapidly, and reserving her fire, until she got close aboard, jibed 
over the fore and aft mainsail, and bailed it up, and when she 
got abreast of the " Detroit," gave her and the " Queen Char- 
lotte " the starboard broadside at half pistol shot, and poured 
the port broadside into the '' Lady Provost " and " Chippewa." 
So rapid was the movements of the " Niagara " they were 
taken unawares ; the '• Queen Charlotte " did not take room 
enough to pay off, consequently got becalmed under the lee of 
the " Detroit," which vessel, in bearing up to prevent being 
raked, feU athwart the bows of the " Queen Charlotte " and 
fouled with her. In this predicament they received the broad- 
side of the '"Niagara," as also a heavy fire from the " Cale- 
donia," which vessel had followed the " Niagara " down through 
the enemy's line. In the meantime the gunboats were seri- 
ously cutting them up with their long heavy guns at close range. 
After passing through the line the " Niagara " rounded-to on 
the starboard tack under their lee, with her main topsail aback, 
and kept pouring broadside after broadside into these two 
entangled vessels. So fierce was this closing contest, and the 
destruction so great on board these two vessels in particular, 
that in fifteen minutes from the time the " Niagara " bore up, 
"an officer appeared on the taff-rail of the " Queen Charlotte " 
with a white handkerchief fastened to a boarding-pike, and 
waved it as a symbol of submission — they had struck — the 
*' Detroit" followed, the hail was passed from vessel to vessel 
and the firing ceased. Two of their smaller vessels attempted 
to escape, but were promptly pursued and brought back by 
the "Scorpion " and '"Trippe." 



54 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

CHAPTER XI. 




S SOON as the smoke cleared away the two squadrons 
were found to be intermingled. The " Niagara " lay close 
under the lee of the "Detroit," "Queen Charlotte," and 
" Hunter ;" the " Caledenia," " Trippe," and " Scorpion " near 
the " Niagara," having followed that vessel through the enemy's 
line ; the " Lady Provost " and " Chippewa " a little distance 
to the westward, with the " Somers," " Tigress," and " Porcu- 
pine " abreast of the "Hunter;" the shattered and glorious 
" Lawrence " was drifting with the wind some distance to the 
eastward. Like a wounded warrior, who had fallen in the 
thickest of the fight, she could only look at the victorious result 
she had suffered in achieving. At the shout of victory her 
flag was again hoisted by the remaining heroes upon her bloody 
deck, there forever to remain. 

At this juncture the gallant Perry wrote his laconic notes to 
General Harrison, and Hon. Wm. Jones, the Secretary of the 
Navy, using the back of an old letter for his note to the Gen- 
eral, and the blank leaf in that to the Secretary, with the top 
of his navy cap to write upon. They were as folio »vs, viz : 

" U. S. S. " Niagara," Sept. 10th— 4 P. M. 
" Dear Gen'l : — We have met the enemy and they are ours ; 
two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. 
" Yours, with great respect and esteem, 

" 0. H. PERRY." 

A few moments later, and after reflecting upon his wonder- 
ful preservation amid such carnage and destruction, the good- 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 55 

ness of that power who controls all things, he wrote to the 
Secretary, viz : 

" U. S. Brig " Niagara," Off the West Sister, 1 

" Head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10th, 1813—4 P. M. j 
" Sir : — It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of 
the United States a signal victory over their enemies on this 
lake. The British scjuadron, consisting of two ships, two brigs, 
one schooner, and one sloop, have this moment surrendered 
to the force under my command, after a sharp conflict. 
" I have the honor to be, sir, 

" Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

*'0. H. PERRY." 

These hasty, yet admirably worded, dispatches were imme- 
diately sent, via schooner, to the mouth of Portage River, 
then the headquarters of Harrison, and distant some twelve 
miles. 

Now was to be performed the proud but melancholy duty of 
taking possession of the captured vessels. On board the '' De- 
troit " Commodore Barclay was found to be severely wounded, 
her First Lieutenant, Garland, mortally, as also Purser Hoff- 
meister, severely. On board the " Queen Charlotte," Captain 
Finnis, her commander, and Lieutenant Gordon, of the marines, 
were killed, with First Lieutenant Stokes and Midshipman 
Foster wounded. On board the " Lady Provost," Lieutenant 
Commandant Bignall and Master's Mate Gateshill were 
wounded. On board the " Chippewa," Master's Mate Camp- 
bell, commanding, was slightly wounded. The " Little Belt " 
had little or no casualties. The " Detroit " and " Queen Char- 
lotte " were much shattered in their hulls, as also badly cut up 
aloft; and the "Lady Provost" had her rudder shot away. 



56 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

Otherwise their smaller vessels were not materially injured. 
The list of killed and wounded on board each vessel was never 
given to the public, only in sum total, viz : forty-one killed and 
ninety-four wounded, as per Commodore Barclay's report to 
Sir James Yeo. 

Let us now leave the enemy's vessels and count the casual- 
ties in our own squadron. On board the " Lawrence " there 
were killed : John Brooks, lieutenant commanding marines ; 
Henry Laub, midshipman ; Christian May hen, quartermaster ; 
John W. Allen, Joseph Kennedy, John Smith, Andrew Michael, 
Charles Pohig, Nelson Peters, James Jones, John Rose, Thomas 
Butler, and James Brown, seamen ; James Cayst, sailmaker's 
mate ; Wm. Mays, carpenter's mate ; Philip Sharpley, corporal 
marines ; Wm. Cranston and John Hoffman, ordinary seamen ; 
Ethired Sykes, landsman ; John C. Kelly, private in Kentucky 
volunteers ; Jesse Harland and Abner Williams, privates of 
marines — 22. 

Wounded— John L. Yarnall, 1st lieutenant ; Dulaney Forest, 
2d lieutenant ; W. V. Taylor, sailing master ; Samuel Hamilton, 
purser ; Thomas Claxton and Adjutant Swartwout, midship- 
men ; Jonas Stone, carpenter ; Wm. C. Kean, master-at-arms ; 
Francis Mason, John Newen, Joseph Lewis, and Ezekiel Fowler, 
quartermasters ; John E. Brown aad James Helan, quarter- 
gunners ; Geo. Cornell, carpenter's mate ; Wm. Johnson, boat- 
swain's mate; Thomas Hammond, armorer; Wm. Thompson, 
Geo. Varnum, James Moses, Wm. Roe, Joseph Deming, Wm. 
Daring, John Clay, Stephen Fairfield, Geo. Williams, Lannan 
Huse, James Waddington. John Burnham, John Burdeen, and 
Andrew Mattison, seamen ; Jeremiah Easterbrook, Henry 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 57 

Schroder, Benone Price, Thos. Robinson, Peter Kinsley, Na- 
than Chapman, Thos. Hill, Barney McGlair, Wm. Dawson, 
Westerly Johnson, Samuel Spywood, Robert Hill, Francis 
Gummings, Thos. Reed, Charles Vandyke, Wm. Simpson, Jesse 
Williams, and James Hadley, ordinary seamen ; James Bird, 
sergeant marines ; Wm. Burnett, Wm. Baggs, David Christy, 
Henry Vandoo, marines; Thos. Triff, Elijah Partin, John 
Adams, Charles Harrington, and Wm. B. Perkins, landsmen ; 
Nathaniel Wade and Newport Hazard, boys— 61. (On the 
morning of the battle the sick list of the " Lawrence " num- 
bered thirty-one unfit for duty.) 

On board of the '' Niagara " the killed were, Peter Morce, 
seaman ; Isaac Hardy, ordinary seaman — 2. Wounded, John 
J. Edwards, 1st lieutenant ; Acting Master Webster ; John G. 
Gummings, midshipman ; John Filton, boatswain's mate ; Ed- 
ward Martin, George Piatt, Henry Davidson, James Lansford, 
Thos. Wilson, Charles Davidson, Daniel Bennett, seamen; 
Wm. Davis, Ronvell Hall, Elias Wiley, John M. Stribuck, or- 
dinary seamen ; Mason, sergeant marines ; Scott, 

corporal marines ; Joshua Trapnill, Thos. Miller, John Rumas, 
Geo. McManomy, George Scoffield, and Samuel Cochran, ma- 
rines— 23. (On the morning of the battle the sick list of the 
" Niagara " contained twenty-eight unfit for duty.) 

On board the "Caledonia," none killed. Wounded, James 
Artis, Isaac Perkins, James Phillips — 3. 

On board the " Somers," none killed. Wounded, Charles 
Ordeen and Godfrey Bowman — 2. 

On board the "Ariel," killed, John White, boatswain's mate 



58 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

— L. Wounded, Wm. Sloss, Robert Wilson, seamen; John 
Lucas, landsman. 

On board the " Trippe,'' none killed. Wounded, Isaac 
Green, soldier, acting marine. 

On board the " Scorpion," killed, John Clark, midshipman ; 
John Sylhammer, landsman — 2. 

Onboard the ''Porcupine" and " Tigress," none killed or 
wounded. 

About four P. M. a boat was seen approaching the " Law- 
rence " and Perry recognized in it. He was now returning to 
his shattered and helpless ship to meet the remnant of her gal- 
lant crew in this hour of victory, and that they should be wit- 
nesses of the formal surrender. Dr. Parsons says : " Those of 
us who were spared, and were able to walk, met him at the 
gangway to welcome him on board ; but the salutation was a 
silent one — not a word could find utterance." 

" The battle o'er, the victory won," all offered up a silent 
prayer for the miraculous escape from injury of their gallant 
young chieftain ; and himself claiming, in a conversation with 
Purser Hamilton, that he " believed the prayers of his wife had 
• saved him." 

During the day Perry had worn a round-jacket ; he now 
resumed his undress uniform to receive the officers of the 
captured vessels in tendering their swords, as a formal sub- 
mission. In coming on board they picked their way among 
the carnage and wreck, and, on approaching Perry, presented 
their swords. Perry, in a bland and low tone, requested them 
to " retain their side arms." Lieutenant O'Keefe, of the Forty- 
first Royal Regiment, was charged by Commodore Barclay with 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 59 

the delivery of his sword. It was said he presented a fine 
appearance, being a large, finely formed man, and in full dress. 
Perry then inquired, with deep concern, in regard to the con- 
dition of Commodore Barclay and the other wounded officers, 
and tendered every assistance within his reach. In the course 
of the evening Perry visited Barclay on board the " Detroit," 
and tendered him every sympathy ; also promised to assist in 
procuring an early parole, as Barclay was anxious to return to 
England as soon as possible on account of his health. 



CHAPTER XII. 



IT BEING deemed inadvisable to try and save the killed for 
burial on shore— more particularly those on board the 
"Lawrence'' — at nightfall they were all lashed up in their 
hammocks, with a 32-pound shot for a companion to anchor 
them on the bottom of the lake ; the surviving officers and men 
gathered around as witnesses to the solemn scene ; the burial 
service of the Episcopal Church read by the chaplain, " Ashes 
to ashes, dust to dust," when 

Down, down, they sank, without a knell, 
Yet in their country's cause they fell. 
Such was the burial of the foremast Jacks who fell on the 
10th of September. Those on the larger vessels of the enemy 
were thrown overboard as fast as they were killed, though not 



60 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

SO with the smaller ; those remaining were buried with ours. 
As the mellow rays of the Autumnal sunset were radiating from 
the western horizon, the blue waters of Lake Erie closed over 
the remains of these gallant sons of Neptune and Mars, whom, 
but a few hours before, were hurling defiance and destruction 
at each other, but now hushed in death and everlasting peace, 
their spirits in the presence of their God. The remains of the 
officers were reserved for burial on shore. 

The night of the 10th of September, 1813, was ever vividly 
remembered by the survivors of both squadrons as the vessels lay 
intermingled at anchor in the open lake. The booming of cannon, 
the crash of timbers, and slaughter of human beings had 
ceased ; but the dreadful havoc remained. The stern order of 
the officer, and prompt response of the subordinate, in looking 
after the safety of the vessels was blended with the groans of 
the wounded. The honor of the two nations had been vindi- 
cated by the slaughter of their devoted sons, the wounded of 
whom were now endeavoring to soothe and comfort each other 
in their affliction. 

On the morning of the 11th Perry removed his flag to the 
schooner ''Ariel," intending to make her the flagship for the 
present, the " Lawrence " being a complete wreck. At nine 
A. M. the signal was made to " weigh anchor," and the squad- 
rons sailed for Put-in-Bay, where they arrived about noon and 
anchored, when every effort was made to keep some of the 
worst injured from sinking and secure the wounded masts. 
Preparations were now made for the burial of the fallen offi- 
cers, which was to take place on the following morning. 

The morning of the 12th (Sunday) was clear and calm — 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 61 

emblematic of the day and the solemn duties they were about 
to perform — the calm after the storm. At ten A. M., the colors 
of both nations being at half-mast and all things ready, the 
bodies were lowered into boats, and then, with measured stroke 
and funeral dirge, moved in line to the shore, the while minute 
guns being fired alternately from the " Lawrence " and " De- 
troit." On landing the procession was formed in reverse order, 
the corpse of the youngest and lowest in rank first, and so on, 
alternately American and British, the body of Captain Finnis 
coming last. As soon as the corpses were taken up by the 
bearers and moved on, the officers fell into line, two American 
and two British, and marched to the solemn music of the bands 
of both squadrons. On reaching the spot where the graves 
were prepared they were lowered into the earth in the order in 
which they had been borne, and the beautiful and solemn 
burial service of the Episcopal Church rendered by the chap- 
lains of the respective squadrons : " Earth to earth, ashes to 
ashes — looking for the general resurrection in the last day.'' 
The volley of musketry followed, and all was over; the heroes 
were at rest. 

0, cruel Mars, thou wicked God ! — many a husbandless, 
fatherless, brotherless, and sonless family hath thy votaries 
made in their devotion to thy cause — their adhesion to thy 
bloody motto, " Seek the bubble reputation at the cannon^ s mouth. ^^ 
What a time for serious reflection ? Why is it that christian 
nations will still insist upon settling their difficulties by a resort 
to arms, as the only healing balm for wounded honor— too 
often only imaginary ? Here ^vere men, scions of the same 
stock, speaking the same language, worshipping at the same 



62 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

altar — men whom would be like brothers under different cir- 
cumstances — meeting each other in deadly strife ; in the most 
savage manner hastening to destroy each other, and all without 
animosity, save in the frenzy of battle ; and when the carnage 
is complete — the strife ended — taking each other by tfaie hand, 
and in a spirit of kindness and sympathy rendering every aid 
in their power to heal, soothe, and comfort the unfortunate 
victims of their deadly work. But still more is to be said in 
regard to this strife. What but a disagreement between a pas- 
sionate and austere mother and her perverse daughter, the 
latter having left the old homestead and taken a house to her- 
self — ^both forgetting the ties of consanguinity which should 
have bound them in love and harmony evermore. 

On the 13th the " Ohio " returned to Sandusky and found 
the squadron absent. Mr. Dobbins felt certain a battle had 
taken place, and, of course, was anxious to know the result, as 
also how to shape his future course. Soon a couple of boats 
were discovered in-shore and he gave chase. He succeeded in 
cutting one off, which proved to be an American, and from the 
men on board learned that there had been a battle, but no 
details other than that the Americans were supposed to be 
victorious, as all the vessels were taken into Put-in -Bay. Mr. 
Dobbins immediately bore up for that place, where he found 
the squadron at anchor with their prizes. The arrival of the 
'• Ohio " with fresh suppUes was a Godsend to the sick and 
wounded. Soon followed the arrival of a boat from Cleveland 
and another from Sandusky, with vegetables and fresh meat, 
adding much to the comfort of the afflicted, as also to the 
able-bodied. The wounded were still on board their respective 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 63 

vessels ; and Commodore Barclay was made as comfortaL'e on 
board the " Detroit " as circumstances would permit. It being 
necessary to dispose of the prisoners, all the rank and file, so 
to speak, including some of the officers able to travel, were 
immediately dispatched to Ghillicothe, Ohio, under the auspices 
of General Harrison. In the meantime the " Lawrence " was 
being so far repaired as to be able to convey the badly wounded 
of both squadrons to Erie, and where she safely arrived on the 
23d, under the command of Lieutenant John L. Yarnall, him- 
self wounded. With what joy the people espied the gallant 
craft as she rounded the peninsula in her approach to the 
harbor 1 She that had gone out staunch and bold was now 
returning a cripple, but victorious — freighted with the wounded 
of both squadrons. Like the wounded warrior returning to 
his peaceful home, she Avas welcomed with tears and smiles. 
As soon as she was anchored the unfortunates were conveyed 
on shore in boats, and every attention given by the citizens to 
make them as comfortable as possible — friend and foe alike. 
The " Lawrence " was immediately got over the bar and moored 
in Misery Bay, where she was sufficiently repaired to keep her 
from sinking for the time. 

What food for reflection ! But one short month had passed 
since the gallant young commander had sailed with his hastily 
gotten up squadron — had met and conquered the enemy ; and 
his now maimed and battered flagship was returning for the first 
time freighted with the unfortunate victims of the deadly strife. 
What a contrast ! But a few days since these brave fellows 
were hurling the bolts of destruction at each other — now they 
were quietly resting side by side on board the "Lawrence," 
exchanging kindness and sympathy with each other. 



64 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

We will now give some comments upon the battle, and, in 
doing so, will be as brief as possible — relying upon impartial 
testimony, fully corroborated by circumstances. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



QHORTLY after the battle, unfortunately, a spirit of crimin- 
X-^ation and recrimination sprang up- among the officers in 
regard to the conduct of Elliot, with his ship " Niagara," during 
the battle, and finally culminated in a bitter feud. It was found 
several years afterwards that it would result in a duel between 
Perry and Elliot had not the former been ordered to sea in 
command of a special expedition to Venezuela, constituted of 
the sloop of war "John Adams" and schooner "Nonesuch," 
and died ere his return to the United States. 

In the first instance, the line, with the " Niagara " in the van, 
was changed for manifest reasons and without the slighest 
difficulty or delay. Much stress has been placed upon this 
evolution by some of the friends of Elliot, without much reason, 
as we believe, the vessels being a long distance from the enemy 
at the time. 

When the " Lawrence " was first brought by the wind to try 
the range of her carronades upon the enemy, the shpt of which 
was found to fall short, the " Niagara " was in her alloted posi- 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 65 

tion ; and when the order was given, " Engage as you come 
up, each vessel against her opponent," and the " Lawrence " 
again bore up to shorten the distance, the "Niagara" did not 
follow, though Elliot had ordered the " Caledonia " out of her 
place to make room for the '' Niagara " to close up with the 
" Lawrence " within the prescribed distance, viz : " half cable's- 
length," but kept her wind — using only her two long 12-pound- 
ers, having shifted the port gun over to the starboard side, 
occasionally using a division of her carronades, but without 
effect, as the shot fell short. I would ask, was this not break- 
ing the line ? The " Lawrence " was the commanding and 
leading ship, and it was the duty of the "Niagara" to follow 
her and engage the " Queen Charlotte," her opponent. The 
excuse that there was " little or no wind," is inadmissable ; if 
there was wind enough for the " Lawrence " to close, there 
certainly was enough for the " Niagara " to follow. The 
" Caledonia," on the other hand, when ordered to " bear up 
for the " Niagara " to pass," kept on down in company with 
the " Lawrence " and engaged at close quarters. The " Scor- 
pion "and " Ariel " also bore up with the " Lawrence " and 
kept their stations on the weather-bow of that vessel. The 
" Niagara " had kept this long-shot distance for some two hours, 
while the " Lawrence " was closely engaged with the three 
heaviest vessels of the enemy during the same time. As before 
stated, the line of the enemy was formed with the schooner 
" Chippewa " in the van, then " Detroit," " Hunter," " Queen 
Charlotte," "Lady Provost," and "Little Belt," in line as 
named. The " Lawrence " to meet the " Detroit," " Cale- 
donia " to meet the " Hunter," " Niagara " to meet the " Queen 
5 



66 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

Charlotte," the " Somers " and other gunboats to engage the 
'■' Lady Provost" and " Little Belt." 

To show that eve)i the enemy understood these allotments, as 
arranged by Perry, I will give an extract from Commodore 
Barclay's letter to Sir George Provost, viz : 

" At a quarter before twelve I commenced the action by a 
few long guns ; at a quarter past the American Commodore, 
also supported by two schooners, one carrying four long 12- 
pounders, the other a long 32 (24), came close to action with 
the " Detroit." The other brig of the enemy — apparently des- 
tined to engage the " Queen Charlotte " — supported in like 
manner by two schooners, kept so far to windward as to 
render the " Queen Charlotte's " 20 (24) pounder carronades 
useless." 

The " Queen Charlotte " retained her position abreast of the 
" Niagara " for some time, and Captain Finnis finding that ves- 
sel was not disposed to place herself within reach of his 24- 
pound carronades, and she being to windward and he not able 
to close with her, ordered the " Hunter" to bear up and make 
room for the " Queen Charlotte " to move up to the " Detroit " 
and open upon the " Lawrence," which vessel was within range. 
It is well known that the range of 24-pound carronades and 
that of 32's is very near the same, the only difference being 
the weight of metal thrown. Thus, if the carronades of the 
" Queen Charlotte " would not reach the " Niagara," those of 
that vessel would not reach the " Queen Charlotte," though it 
is claimed Elliot tried an occasional division to get the range. 
It is claimed by some officers of experience that Elliot might have 
excused himself, to some extent, by claiming that Perry was im- 
petuous in rushing into close action with only a portion of his force 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 67 

available. In fact, it was stated by skillful officers that " no com- 
mander ever went into battle in worse shape and came out of it 
hdter " — that " Perry should have kept off at a distance until 
all his vessels were up, and then in a compact line have borne 
up and engaged at close quarters " — that " he should have 
taken pattern by his adversary, who, having seen service in 
squadron engagements, had his line in compact order." How- 
ever, Perry, Hke all young warriors of the right mettle, became 
impatient when the shot of the enemy began to tell upon his 
vessel. This, however, does not exculpate Elliot for remain- 
ing at a distance and allowing the " Lawrence " to be cut to 
pieces by an overwhelming force without bearing down to her 
assistance. 

The gunboats lagging astern may be deemed by some as 
dilatory. It is well known to all nautical men that fore-and- 
afters have not the advantage of square-rigged vessels in light 
winds, as the latter have their heavy sails aloft, besides have 
more light canvas. The " Scorpion " and "Ariel" were fast 
sailors, is the reason they were enabled to keep up with the 
larger vessels. For instance, the " Trippe," the last vessel in 
the line, although quite a good sailor in a strong breeze, could 
not keep her place, much to the chagrin of her gallant young 
commander, Lieutenant Holdup; but as soon as the breeze 
sprung up passed several of the others, and was the first of the 
lagging gunboats to close with the enemy. 

The next matter we will^take up is, how the " Niagara " ob- 
tained the position she occupied when Perry boarded her, viz : 
on the weather-bow of the " Lawrence," distant from fifty 
yards to half a mile, according to the conflicting testimony given 



68 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

before the Court of Inquiry at New York in April, 1815. The 
cause assigned by Elliot for passing to imndivard of the " Law- 
rence " is, that he " was endeavoring to reach the head of the 
enemy's line and their large vessels, a breeze spripging up at 
the time and the enemy filling away to shoot ahead." We will 
now have to resort to " cause and effect " in this argument. 
We will ask the question, why did she not go to leeward of the 
" Lawrence " and endeavor to draw the fire of the enemy from 
that over-powered vessel, as also to be within canister range 
with her carronades ? The answer is given above, viz : that 
"it was necessary to go to windward in order to reach the 
head of the enemy's line," &c. The wind at this time was 
from southeast, but still quite light, the vessels all heading to 
the southward and westward. The enemy's vessels being 
much cut up aloft, would naturally not be very close to the 
wind ; and the " Lawrence " being disabled, with her sails and 
rigging all in shreds, would "be in poor trim for sailing by the 
wind, and was rather drifting with it ; thus, the angle between 
her and the head of the enemy's line would be sha^yenhig in- 
stead of iindenlng^ which latter would have to be the case to 
excuse the " Niagara " for going to windward. But, further- 
more, the " Caledonia " passed the " Lawrence " to leewasrl, or 
between that vessel and the enemy, in order to keep within 
range, though her armament was of long guns. Whereas the 
" Niagara " passed to idndward, and, of course, at a greater 
distance with her carronade battery. Thus good reasoning 
would determine that the policy, if not the duty^ of Elliot was to 
have gone to leeward instead of to windward of the " Lawrence." 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 69 



CHAPTER XIV. 

/TV HE statement in regard to the sail the " Niagara " was 
J- under at the time Perry boarded her is so conflicting, we 
will give the statement of Benjan% Fleming, one of her 
main-topmen, who deceased but a few years since, and who 
gave this statement to the writer, viz : 

" When Commodore Perry came on board (I give his own 
language, as near as possible) we were under topsails, fore and 
aft mainsail, and jib ; the top- gallant-sails and mainsail furled, 
and foresail hauled up. The main topsail, I think, was not 
aback at this time, but it had been most of the time during the 
action. He came on board by the weather (port) gangway, 
and was met by Captain Elliot ; they shook hands and had 
some conversation, which I could not hear from the top. Di- 
rectly Captain Elliot went over the side into the same boat 
Commodore Perry came in, shoved off, and pulled for the 
small vessels astern. Some little time after, and when the 
gunboats had got pretty well up, and a breeze springing up. 
Commodore Perry set the signal for " close action," and imme- 
diately gave the order to " make sail " — " loose top-gallant-sails, 
board fore-tack, haul in the weather braces, put the helm up. 
and keep the brig off." I helped to loose the main top-gallant- 
sail myself. We bore up, gradually at first, with the wind on 
our quarter. Just before w^e got abreast of the " Detroit," to 
the best of my memory, we were before the wind, when we 
jibed the fore and aft mainsail and brailed it up at the same 
time, settled the top -gallant-sails upon the caps, hauled the 
foresail up, and at the same time fired a broadside into the 
" Detroit " and " Queen Charlotte " as they lay foul of each 
other, and our larboard guns into the '' Lady Provost " and 
anolher schooner ; then coming by the wind on the starboard 
tack, with the main-topsail to the mast, under the lee of the 



70 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

" Detroit " and " Queen Charlotte," kept up a heavy fire until 
they struck, which could not have been more than fifteen or 
twenty minutes after we passed through their line ; the " Cale- 
donia " and one or two of the gunboats followed us." 

It has been conceded that the British vessels were gallantly 
fought though laboring under several great disadvantages ; the 
two most important of ^hich were the loss of the services of 
both the first and second commanding officers. Commodore 
Barclay being severely, and Captain Finnis mortally wounded ; 
as also the executive officers of both ships. Lieutenant Garland, 
of the "Detroit" mortally, and Lieutenant Stokes, of the 
" Queen Charlotte," severely wounded — both regulars — leaving 
the command of the "Detroit" io Second Lieutenant Ingles, 
and the " Queen Charlotte " to Second Lieutenant Irvine, a 
provincial. Then the American squadron had the weather 
gauge. Their last evident manoeuvre was well conceived, and 
could they have carried it out the battle would, at least, have 
been prolonged. But the holcl^ sudden and daring dash of Perry 
with the " Niagara," completely frustrated and confused them. 
The manoBUvre was as follows, viz : 

When they noticed the movements of the " Niagara " — that 
Perry was determined to break through their line, the " Queen 
Charlotte" was to bear up, pass to leeward of the " Detroit," and 
meet the " Niagara " broadside on as she passed, the " Detroit 
to follow. Then as the " Niagara " and " Queen Charlotte 
passed down before the wind, exchanging fires at pistol-shot- 
range, the "Detroit" to haul up, shoot athwart the stern of 
the "Niagara" and give her a raking fire from her starboard 
guns ; and taking position upon her quarter, keep up this rak- 



n 



n 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 7 J 

ing fire upon the " Niagara " while that vessel was engaged 
with the " Queen Charlotte " — a vessel of equal force — the 
three going off before the wind and separating from the other 
vessels. As before said, this manoeuvre was frustrated by 
Perry's sudden and daring dash. The " Queen Charlotte " 
did not bear up in time to keep from being becalmed by the 
sails of the " Detroit," as that vessel by bearing up in haste, to 
prevent being raked by the " Niagara," fell athwart the bow ot 
the " Queen Charlotte," and fouled with her. As showing 
their intention, I will give a short extract from the letter of 
Lieut. Inglis of the " Detroit," which accompanied Com. Bar- 
clay's report to Sir George Provost. 

" H. M. Late Ship " Detroit," Sept. 10th, 1813. 

* * " Sir. — After you were wounded, the enemy's second 
brig, at that time on our weather beam, shortly took a position 
on our weather bow to rake us ; to prevent which, in attempting 
to wear to get our starboard broadside to bear upon her, a 
number of our guns on the larboard side being at this time 
disabled, we fell on board the "Queen Charlotte," at that time 
running up to leeward of us. In this situation the two ships 
remained for some time. * * * 

" I have the honor to be, &c., 

"GEORGE INGLIS." 

We will give still further extracts from the report of Commo- 
I dore Barclay, giving the situation of matters at this critical time 
from his standpoint, viz : 

^ * * u rpj^g action continued with great fury until 
half past two P. M., when I perceived my opponent drop 
astern, and a boat passing from him to the "Niagara," {ichich 
vessel icas at this time jDerfedly fresh.) The American commo- 
dore seeing that, as yet, the day was against him, (his vessel 



72 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

having struck soon after he left her) and also the very defence- 
less state of the " Detroit," which ship was now a perfect 
wreck, principally from the raking fire of the gun boats * * 
Made a noble, and alas ! too successful, an effort to regain it, 
for he bore up, and, supported by his smaller vessels, passed 
within pistol shot, and took a raking position on our bow." "^ "^ 

While giving these extracts we will also refer to the report 
of the '' Naval Court Martial, convened on board His Majesty's 
ship "Gladiator," at Portsmouth, to inquire into the conduct of 
Commodore Barclay and his remaining officers in regard to 
the surrender of the British squadron on Lake Erie, September 
10th, 1813." Some of the statements made in it are not borne 
out by facts, viz : 

" The American force was double the amount of his (Bar- 
clay's) in number of ships and guns, and there was no com- 
parison in respect to the quality of the seamen." 

We will give the figures and let them speak the facts: 

AMERICAN SQUADRON. BRITISH SQUADRON. 

"Lawrence," 260 tons, 20 guns "Detroit," 300 tons, 19 guns 

"Niagara, 260 " 20 •' " Queen Charlotte," , 260 " 17 " 

"Caledonia," 85 " 4 " " Lady Provost,"... . 96 " 13 " 

"Ariel," 60 " 3 " Brig " Hunter," 75 " 10 " 

"Scorpion," 60 " 2 " " Little Belt," 60 " 3 " 

"Somers," 65 " 2 " "Chippewa," 35 " i " 

"Trippe," 50 " i " — 

"Porcupine," 50 " i ' Tonnage 826 " 63 " 

"Tigress," 50 " i " 6 vessels. 

Which shows 9 guns in favor of the 



Tonnage 840 " 54 " British squadron, and 14 tons in favor of 

9 vessels. the American squadron. 

It is well known to be better to have a battery concentrated 
on board of one heavy vessel than in several small ones ; and 
the British had three formidable vessels, as the " Lady Provost " 
was classed as a regular man-of-war schooner, mounting thir- 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 73 

teen guns, most of which were of heavy caliber. She would 
have been a match for any three of the American vessels, ex- 
cepting the " Lawrence " and " Niagara." 

As for crews, the force of each squadron was about equal, 
viz : 500, all told ; though the British had the advantage, as 
116 in the American squadron were on the sick list on the day 
of the battle, seamen suffering the worst, as the change from 
salt to fresh water had a bad effect upon them, and many were 
down with the bilious fever, &c. Whereas, the British had but 
that day left port, and of course, all in good health. In re- 
spect to the number of seamen, say 150, there was but little 
difference ; and in regard to the balance of the crews, the 
American, like the British, were mostly made up of soldiers and 
landsmen. 

There was, however, one other great advantage they had, 
viz : The " Queen Charlotte," " Lady Provost," £md brig " Hun- 
ter" were regularly built loar vessels, and had been cruising for 
several years — but more particularly since the declaration of 
war. During the spring and summer of 1813, and while Perry 
was getting up the American squadron, they were constantly 
cruising off Erie. Thus, you see, they must have been in 
complete condition, and the crews in a good state of discipline. 

In regard to Elliot leaving the " Niagara " to bring up the 
smaller vessels, then some distance astern into close action, 
some of Elliot's enemies claim that he was ordered to do so by 
Perry. This is evidently error. It would be a matter of great 
delicacy — to say the least of it — to order an officer of nearly 
his own rank /rom his ship under such circumstances to perform 
such duty. The evidence of Perry, in his note to Elliot, of the 



74 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

18th of September, at Put-in-Bay gives undoubtedly the truth, 
viz: "Your anticipating my wishes to bring up the small ves- 
sels into close action, thereby contributing largely to our victory," 
&c., as also using the same language in substance in his report 
to the Secretary of the Navy. Again, it was but characteristic 
of Perry to use the language imputed to him by Captain Bre- 
voort, viz : After the action and Captain Elliot returned on board 
(the "Niagara") Captain Perry caught him by the hand, saying, 
"' I owe much of this to you," &c. This was the outpouring of 
a generous and chivalrous nature. Perry had gained a grand 
victory, and he felt like embracing every one who had contri- 
buted to the brillant achievement. Most certainly the volun- 
teering to bring up the distant smaller vessels into close action, 
and the prompt manner it was executed, and their efficient 
services afterwards, (Barclay claiming "the raking fire of the 
gun boats to be terrific on board the ' Detroit,' ") Elliot having 
ordered them to cease firing on the smaller vessels and direct 
it at the " Detroit ^ ' and " Queen Charlotte." Then, if from any 
implied improper motives he had not closed with his antagon- 
ist, the "Queen Charlotte," this gallant act should aid in cover- 
ing up the sin to some extent. 



CHAPTER XV. 



/ I \ ERR is human, to forgive is divine," and that " none 

J- of us are infallible," should ever be uppermost in our 

minds. Perry, with all his nobleness of character, gallantry 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 75 

and truthfulness of purpose, erred in accusing Elliot of coivardice 
after mentioning him in the most complimentary terms in his 
report to the Secretary of the Navy and subsequent letters, as 
also in conversations. It should also be borne in mind that 
the previous and subsequent conduct of Elliot, on Lake Ontario, 
and capturing the two vessels from under the guns of Fort Erie, 
as also on Lake Erie, evinced anything but cowardice. The 
writer, had a conversation with a naval officer of high rank, 
(now deceased) a few years since, who said : " It is a mistake 
to accuse Elliot of being a coward. I made a cruise with him 
some years since, and think I know him like a book ; coward- 
ice is the last sin that could be laid at the door of '' Old Jesse." 
He was somewhat egotistical and austere, yet a good otticer 
and thorough seaman. He was no coward, I assure you." 

Then as to the accusation of treachery, made by some of the 
accusers of Elliot, we will only give the facts and circumstances, 
and leave the reader to come to his own conclusions. In the 
first place, Elliot did not close with his allotted antagonist the 
" Queen Charlotte," as per order of Perry, and which was ex- 
pected by not only every intelligent officer in the American 
squadron, but also the British, but kept out of carronade-range 
until Perry boarded her— leaving the " Lawrence " to fight the 
enemy's heavy vessels almost single-handed. In the second 
place, he should have passed to leeward of the " Lawrence," 
or, between her and the enemy, when endeavoring to reach 
the head of the enemy's line, and thereby have drawn the 
heavy fire of the enemy from that crippled vessel. Then, on 
seeing that the " Lawrence " was silenced, and no signal thrown 
out from her, presumed the " commanding officer was killed," 



76 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

intended to assume command. These accusations are vital in 
their importance, and should be well considered. 

Immediately after the battle the conduct of Elliot with the 
" Niagara " become the general topic of conversation, and 
Elliot criticised. Perry, with all the kindness of his forgiving 
nature, was anxious to stop this censuring of Elliot, and cau- 
tioned the officers to silence on this subject. The strongest 
defense Elliot had was the language of Perry himself. In a 
letter to Elliot at Put-in-Bay, under date of September 19th, in 
answer to one from Elliot of the previous day, Perry said : 

* * * "I am indignant that any report should be 
in circulation prejudicial to your character, as respects the 
action of the 10th inst. It affords me pleasure that I have it 
in my power to assure you that the conduct of yourself, officers 
and crew, was such as to meet my warmest approbation. I 
consider the circumstances of your volunteering to bring up 
the smaller vessels into close action as contributing largely to 
our victory. I shall ever believe it a premeditated plan of the 
enemy to disable our commanding vessel by bringing all their 
force to bear upon her ; and I am satisfied had they not pur- 
sued this course the engagement would not have lasted thirty 
minuttis. 1 have no doubt if the " Charlotte " had not macfe 
sail to engage the " Lawrence " the " Niagara " would have 
taken her in twenty minutes. 

" Very respectfully, &c., 

" 0. H. PERRY. 
" Capt J, jD, Elliot, U. S. S. ' Niagara: " 

It was afterwards claimed by Perry that these letters were 
given at the time to soothe the wounded feelings of Elliot, but 
not to be used for publication, which use was made of them. 
And furthermore, the complimentary matter in the letters was 
after Awards loithdratcn, and the conduct of Elliot threatened to 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 77 

he the subject of a court-martial, the charges preferred by 
Perry. We will also give some extracts from the lengthy letter 
of the officers of the " Niagara " to the Secretary of the Navy — 
giving a detailed account of the battle from their standpoint : 

"U. S. S. "Niagara," 13th October, 1813.) 
"At Anchor off Detroit. J 
" Respected Sir : — We have with regret seen the condensed, 
and, suffer us to add, the partial statements of the late action 
on Lake Erie ; and, induced by motives of the warmest admi- 
ration and great respect for our commander. Captain J. D. 
Elliot, we take the liberty of laying before you our combined 
observations on the above late action, and knowing, as we do, 
your power of discrimination and impartiality of judgment, we 
commit it to you with full confidence of its universal confidence 
and consideration. (Here is given a detailed account of the 
action, which, as said before, is given from their standpoint, 
but of too great a length for insertion.) * * * -yy-g 
are unwilling to quit the subject without expressing our esti- 
mation of our noble commander. We feel it our duty to him 
and to ourselves to express our opinion of his conduct during 
the action, which was manifested by his cool, brave and judi- 
cious deportment, and are firmly of the opinion that his valor 
could not be surpassed by any ; and that in him the American 
flag has a most zealous, skilllul, and heroic defender. We have 
here endeavored, sir, to give you a succinct and minute account 
of the action from the commencement to the close ; in doing 
this we have been actuated by unprejudiced love and respect 
for Captain Elliot. 

" We have the honor to be, sir, 

" Your obedient servants, &c., 

"J. E. SMITH, Lieutenant, 

" H. MAGRATH, Purser, 

"J. J. EDWARDS, Lieutenant, 

"NELSON WEBSTER, A. M., 

" A. B. BREVOORT, Capt. 2d Reg't U. S. Infantry. 
''Hon. Wm. Jones, Sec'y of the Navy, Washington City, D. C." 



78 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

These officers were honorable, high-minded, and patriotic 
men ; therefore, their statements should*not, by any means, be 
ignored ; and if treachery or cowardice was manifested by 
their commander, if for nothing else, for their own reputations, 
it is to be presumed, they would not have sanctioned or en- 
deavored to cover up such manifestations of conduct. Some 
little excuse for these statements may be given thus wise, viz : 
To treat this grave question with a lighter hand and to some 
extent illustrate in accord with human nature, we will state 
that it is proverbial with the officer, as well as Jack, to regard 
the reputation of his ship, when assailed, with the same feel- 
ing, and defend her with the same spirit, he would his wife. 
But we will take leave of this unfortunate controversy and re- 
vert to more pleasant and interesting incidents of the action. 
Had all been like the noble and generous Perry this bad feel- 
ing would have been strangled in its infancy, and never have 
gone out to the public. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



T 



SHOW how raged the battle on board the " Lawrence,'' 
we will give some statements of Dr. Parsons, her surgeon : 



" The wounded began to come down before the '^ Lawrence" 
opened her battery, and, for one, I felt impatient at the delay. 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 79 

In proper time, however, the war-dogs were let loose from 
their lash, and it seemed as though heaven and earth were at 
logger-heads. For more than two long hours little could be 
heard but the deafening thunders of our own broadsides, the 
crash of balls dashing through our timbers, and the shrieks of 
the wounded. These were brought down faster than I could 
attend to them, other than to stay the bleeding, or support the 
shattered limbs with splints, and pass them forward upon the 
berth-deck. Two or three were killed near me after being 
wounded. Among those early brought down was Lieut. 
Brooks, son of the late Gov. Brooks of Massachusetts, a most 
accomplished gentleman and officer, and renowned for personal 
beauty. A cannon-ball hit him in the hip ; he knew his doom, 
and inquired hovv^ long he could live ; I told him a few hours. 
He inquired two or three times how the day was going, and 
expressed a hope that the Commodore would be saved. But 
new comers from deck brought dismal reports, until finally it 
was announced that we had struck. In the lamentations of 
despair among the wounded I lost sight of poor Brooks for a 
few minutes ; but when the electrifying cry was heard that the 
enemy s two ships had struck, I rushed on deck to see if it was 
true, and then to poor Brooks to cheer him, but he was no 
more." 

" When the battle had raged an hour and a half, I heard a 
call for me at the small sky-light, and stepping forward, saw it 
was the Commodore, whose countenance was as calm and 
placid as if on ordinary duty. ' Doctor,' said he, ' send me 
one of your men,' — meaning one of the six that were to assist 
me, — which was done instantly. In five minutes the call was 
repeated and obeyed, and at the seventh call, I told him he had 
them all. He then asked if any one could pull a rope, when 
two or three crawled upon deck and assisted at the last guns. 
When the battle was raging most severely, Midshipman Laub 
came down with his arm badly fractured ; I applied a splint, 
and requested him to go forward and lie down ; as he was 
leaving me, and while my hand was upon him, a cannon-ball 
struck him in the side, dashing him against the other side of 
the room, which instantly terminated his sufferings. Charles 



80 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

Pohig, a Narragansett Indian, who was badly wounded, suffered 
in like manner. 

" There were some incidents, less painful to witness. Lieut. 
Yarnell had his scalp badly torn, and came below with the 
blood streaming over his face ; some lint was hastily applied 
and confined with a bandanna, with instructions to report for 
further dressing after battle. He at once returned upon deck. 
The hammocks stowed on deck had been knocked to pieces 
with the cannon-balls, and let loose the contents of some mat- 
trasses filled with flag-heads or cattails, which floated in the 
air hke feathers. These gathered upon Yarnell's blood-covered 
head, and made it resemlDle that of a huge owl. 

" When the smoke cleared away after the battle was over, the 
two fleets were found completely mingled. Our own shattered 
ship, lying to the windward of them, was once more allowed 
to hoist her colors, which was cheered by the few feeble voices 
on board — making a melancholy sound to the boisterous cheers 
that preceeded the battle, when Perry's fighting flag, ' Don't 
give up the Ship,' was first mastheaded." 

It has been erroneously recorded by some authors that Perry 
took his little brother (Alexander) with him when he left the 
" Lawrence " for the " Niagara." This is error, I will give the 
language of Dr. Parsons in regard to it, and none knew better: 

" After his return to his shattered ship. Perry walked aft, when 
his first remark was made to his intimate friend. Purser Ham- 
ilton, then lying wounded on deck, ' The prayers of my wife 
have saved me.' Then casting his eyes about, he inquired, 
' Where is my brother ?' This brother was a young midship- 
man of thirteen years. He had, during the battle, acted as a 
sort of aid to Perry in running with orders to different parts of 
the ship, for you must know that in the din and uproar of 
battle orders can be heard but a little distance. We made a 
general stir to look the boy up, not without fears that he had 
been knocked overboard, lout he was soon found in his berth 
asleep, exhausted with the fatigues and excitement of the day, 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 81 

as also having received a severe thump from a hammock a 
cannon-ball had thrown against him." 

The hand of an all-wise providence had been held over the 
heads of the two brothers, and they were saved. 

The day after the battle, as some of our officers were con- 
versing with the British on board the " Detroit," one of the 
latter asked his comrade, " What has become of the Indians ?" 
Search was made and they discovered snugly stowed away in 
the cable tier. They were brought upon deck, much alarmed. 
However were soon assured they would not be hurt, and then 
became quite communicative. When asked how they liked 
the sport, said, " No more come with one-armed captain (Bar- 
clay) in big canoe — shoot big gun too much. Gemokomon* 
(American) much big fight." This sort of warfare was not to 
their tastes. They had evidently been taken on board as 
" sharp-shooters," to pick off the officers. They were sta- 
tioned in the maintop of the " Detroit," and when the bullets 
began to fly aloft thought they were all aimed at them, and 
hastily retreated to the deck, where they found it no better, 
and then to the hold. They were sent to Maiden with some 
paroled officers who had families there. 

The trip of Perry from the " Lawrence " to the " Niagara " 
in a boat, it appears to us, is not properly understood or ap- 
preciated ; or rather, that the act is eulogized instead of the 
motive. " If a victory is to be gained I'll gain it," said Perry as 
he left the shattered " Lawrence." Such was his intention, 



" Gemokomon," signifying " Long- Knife" or sword, an implement of warfare 
unknown to them previous to their early wars with the whites. It is the name 
given to the " Yankees." 



82 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

and therein laid the merit. The passing from vessel to vessel 
had been frequently done where squadrons were engaged, and 
had been done that same day ; and furthermore, Elliot took 
the same boat^ and twice traversed the length of our line, then 
stopped on board the " Somers " and took command of her in 
person. As for personal danger, it was everywhere on that 
occasion, and less, if anything, in a boat than on the deck of a 
vessel, particularly the "Lawrence." 



CHAPTER XVII. 



/T\HE victory of the 10th gave us the command of the lake, 
-L and now Harrison was about to push matters for a victory 
on land. He had called upon the venerable Gov. Shelby of 
Kentucky, for volunteers, and invited the " veteran of King's 
Mountain " to command them in person, to which he respond- 
ed in the affirmative, though in his sixty-sixth year. The 
patriotic state of Kentucky was in a blaze of enthusiasm when 
the Governor issued his proclamation for volunteers, and twice 
the number required showed themselves ready for the " war- 
path." Soon he was on his winding way for the banks of 
Lake Erie, at the head of 3,500 mounted men, with such men 
as Henry, Desha, Allen, Caldwell, King, Childs, Trotter, R. M. 
and J. Johnson, Adin, Crittenden, McDowell, Walker and 
Barry, as subordinates. At Fort Ball (now Tiffin) they got 
news of Perry's victory, which hurried them on to Camp Por- 
tage, and where they arrived on the 15th. Harrison had some 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 83 

friendly Indians, of the Wyandot, Sliawneese, Seneca and 
Delaware tribes, under their chiefs, as before named. 

The prisoners being disposed of, the wounded and sick cared 
for, every exertion was now made to put the available vessels 
of both squadrons in proper condition, and make the necessary 
arrangements for transporting Harrison's army, then encamped 
at Portage River and Fort Meigs, to the Canada shore. The 
vessels were "Niagara," "Caledonia," " Somers," "Ohio," 
"Trippe," "Scorpion," "Ariel," "Tigress," and "Porcupine," 
of the American, and " Hunter," " Lady Provost," " Little 
Belt," and " Chippewa," of the late British squndron. Perry 
made the "Ariel " the flagship, and sailed with her on the 
morning of the 19th for Camp Portage, in advance of the 
squadron, to counsel with General Harrison. It having been 
arranged to transport the army to Put-in-Bay first, the embark- 
ation commenced on the 20th and by the 24th the army of 
4,500 men were all landed at Put-in-Bay, the horses to be left 
at Camp Portage, except the regiment of Col. R. M. Johnson, 
which was to go round the head of the Lake to Detroit and 
join the army there, provided the place could be re-captured. 
Harrison and staff took passage in the "Ariel." 

On the passage of the "Ariel " to Put-in-Bay, a little incident 
occurred which goes to confirm the saying, viz : "A kind and 
brave heart are apt to occupy the same breast." On board 
were a company of young Virginians, one of their number, 
who was but just recovering from a fever, approached Maj. 
Chambers, with whom he was acquainted, and who was then 
conversing with Lieut. Packet, commander of the "Ariel," and 
asked him in a mild and courteous manner "if it could be 



84 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

possible to obtain a cup of coffee from the cabin ; that the cold, 
coarse food they were confined to in accordance with army- 
regulations, he could not eat." The Major, being but slightly 
acquainted with Perry, asked Lieut. Packet, who hesitated, as 
there was such a crowd of officers on board, and the matter 
was apparently dropped. Perry happened to be seated near 
by and overheard the conversation, and without saying a word 
to either party, quietly ordered the steward to prepare supper 
for the whole squad, and in a short time they were all seated 
as best they could in the small cabin, enjoying a warm meal, 
with Perry by their side attending to their wants. 

The next move concluded upon was to transport the army 
to an island called "Middle Sister," about twenty-five miles 
from the Canada shore, and where they were all safely landed 
by the 26th. Arrangements for transportation and debarkation 
being complete, on the morning of the 27th, the weather being 
favorable, the army was again embarked on the vessels and in 
boats, the vessels taking the boats in tow, and by two P. M. 
arrived at the point of destination, when the vessels were 
moored, with springs upon their cables, one-fourth of a mile 
from the shore, to cover the landing of the troops. The troops 
were successfully landed ; not finding any of the enemy in the 
neighborhood took up their line of march for Maiden. They 
soon heard General Proctor had evacuated that post, and was 
in rapid retreat up the Canadian side of the Detroit River, 
leaving only a rear guard to destroy the barracks, navy yard, 
and stores. The squadron immediately moved round into the 
river, and followed the army as they advanced. On the 29th 
they reached Sandwich, when some vessels were dispatched 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 85 

with McArthur's brigade to take possession of Detroit. Colonel 
Johnson having joined the army, the movement was rapid in 
pursuit of the enemy. Perry having dispatched several of the 
small vessels to transport stores and assist with their arma- 
ment if necessary, and himself volunteered as aid to Harrison. 
Then followed the battle of the Thames, and the defeat of 
Proctor and death of Tecumseh. Harrison and Perry now 
returned to Detroit and issued a joint proclamation, dated 
Sandwich, October 17th, 1813, saying to the people of Upper 
Canada, that "all armed resistance having ceased, and the 
country in the quiet possession of the Americans, that the laws 
and customs that existed previous to the conquest were hereby 
declared in force, and the inhabitants guaranteed protection in 
person and property so long as the district remained in possess- 
ion of the United States." Harrison also issued a proclamation, 
dated Detroit, September 29th, 1813, to the inhabitants of Michi- 
gan, establishing the laws in force previous to the surrender of 
Hull, and replacing the officers. After the defeat of Barclay and 
Proctor, and the death of Tecumseh, the Indians with the 
British army felt quite humble and disposed for peace. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



/^OL. LEWIS CASS was now installed civil and military 
^^ governor of Michigan, with his brigade, one thousand 
strong, as also to hold that portion of Canada just captured. 



86 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

The volunteers under Governor Shelby, and such portions of 
the militia as were not needed, were now disbanded. 

A portion of the squadron were now prepared to transport 
the remainder of the army to the lower end of the lake, to 
assist in the operations on the Niagara frontier, and were em- 
barked as soon as possible. The " Ohio," " Somers," " Scorpion," 
" Tigress," and '' Porcupine " were left under the supervision of 
Colonel Lewis Cass to transport prisoners to Camp Portage, 
and supphes from Cleveland. 

A letter awaited the gallant Perry, at Detroit, from the Sec- 
retary of the Navy, couched in flattering terms, announcing to 
him his promotion to the rank of Post Captain, and granting 
him leave of absence to visit his family in Rhode Island. 
Nothing now to detain him. Perry took Harrison and staff on 
board the " Ariel " and sailed. On his way down, called at 
Put-in-Bay and found Barclay much improved, and able to be 
moved. Perry now informed Barclay of his success in obtain- 
ing a parole for him to return home. The wounded Commo- 
dore, with his attending surgeon, was then taken on board the 
" Ariel," when she sailed for Erie, the rest of the squadron 
having proceeded on their trip ; however, the " Ariel " being a 
fast sailor, arrived at Erie some hours in advance of the squad- 
ron. As she made her appearance off the point of the penin- 
sula the citizens assembled on the bank of the bav, when a 
salute was fired, as it was presumed the Commodore was on 
board. Perry and Harrison were received with great enthusi- 
asm on landing, and Perry, with Colonel Gaines, assisted the 
invalid Barclay up the hill to the shore quarters of Perry. In 
the evening the village of Erie was in a blaze of rejoicing, though 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 87 

Perry requested to have no demonstrations made near his 
quarters, to annoy his unfortunate guest, which was strictly 
observed, and which grateful attention Barclay duly appreci- 
ated. Here the intrepid Perry had built and equipped his 
vessels, and now he had returned for the first time after sailing 
vnth the laurels upon his hroiv. His ambition had been satisfied 
— he had '' met the enemy and made them his." 



CHAPTER XIX. 




FTER making a hasty visit to view the shattered remains 
-of his gallant old " flagship " in Misery Bay, and memory 
taking him back to the stirring scenes of the 10th — the still 
blood-stained deck of his shattered ship, and he, himself, es- 
caping unscathed amid the storm and destruction, he raised 
his hands and gave thanks to the Preserver of all things. They 
sailed for Buffalo the next day, Perry bidding a final adieu to 
Erie, as he never returned. On the 24th the squadron arrived 
safe at Buffalo, where the troops were landed. Perry now, in 
an official letter, turned over the command on the Upper Lakes 
to Elliot, and then pursued his journey east, amid a blaze of 
rejoicing, to his home in Rhode Island. 

The prizes " Detroit " and " Queen Charlotte " being badly 
cut up, it was deemed inexpedient to try and remove them to 



88 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

Erie, as the season of navigation was far advanced, and storms 
prevalent, consequently preparations were made to winter them 
at Put-in-Bay, with a force to protect them from marauding 
parties from the Canada shore, when the ice would make. 
Mr. Ghamplin, in command of the " Tigress," was sent to Put- 
in-Bay to assume command, and where he arrived on the 25th 
of December. He immediately made the necessary arrange- 
ments for defense. Col. Cass having sent 200 soldiers from 
Detroit to assist. Lieut. John Packet was sent up late in the 
winter, and superseded Ghamplin in command. 

The season of storms being at hand, Elliot ordered a portion 
of the squadron to Erie, the balance to remain at the lower 
end of the lake. The "Ariel " and " Chippewa " parted their 
cables and went ashore at Buffalo, where they went to 
pieces. The " Trippe " and " Little Belt " were sent to 
Black Rock to winter, and were burnt by the British 
when they invaded Black Rock and Buffalo that winter. 
As soon as the " Ohio " and " Somers " had completed 
their work under Col. Cass the " Somers " and others went 
into winter quarters at Put-in-Bay, and the " Ohio " returned 
to Erie, where she arrived late in December. The vessels at 
Erie were all moored in Misery Bay, and preparations made 
for defense, as it was reported the British, exasperated at their 
late defeats, were determined to cross as soon as the ice made 
and destroy the shipping and village. However, they never 
made the attempt, and if they had, would have found Elliot 
with the vessels and Gen. Mead on land with 4,000 troops, 
ready to receive them. 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 89 

CHAPTER XX. 



¥■ 



'ITCH has been said by some authors about anarchy and 
■ insuhordination existing at the Erie station during the 
winter of 1813-14. This is erroneous. There was some 
httle clashing between the Perry and Elliot adherents, but not 
in the slightest degree interfering with subordination. 

As the spring opened, things were more quiet ; the danger 
of the enemy crossing upon the ice having now passed away. 
Elliot, in order to obtain information of the enemy's move- 
ments upon the Canada shore, as soon as the ice in the lake 
would permit, ordered the " Ohio," under the command of Mr. 
Dobbins, to cruise between Long Point and Erie, to intercept 
their supplies moving west by water. In the discharge of this 
duty Mr. Dobbins frequently landed spies upon the Canada 
shore, and arranged to take them off at certain times. The 
adventures of one of these spies were truly marvelous. The 
name is not at hand, but think it was Prentice. He had lived 
In Canada and claimed that he had been oppressed, for which 
he was seeking revenge. His object was, if possible, to capture 
the mails, and thereby obtain valuable information. He never 
succeeded in getting a mail which was brought to Erie, though 
he frequently made captures which he took through the lines 
to our forces near Fort Erie. 

Early in April Elliot received letters from General Harrison 
and Commodore Chauncey, stating that Mackinaw was short 
of provisions, and quite defenseless. Chauncey then ordered 
Elliot to fit out the squadron and endeavor to recapture it. 



90 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

At last the Navy Department had resolved to make a separate 
command of the Upper Lakes. The change was judicious, 
though it should have been made a year before. 

"Navy Department, April 15th, 1814. 

" Sir : — The arduous duties and great increase of force on 
Lake Ontario, together with the interruption of intercourse 
between the commander-in-chief on that lake and the com- 
mander of the squadron on Lake Erie, has rendered it expe- 
dient to place the latter under a separate command. Captain 
Arthur Sinclair is, therefore, appointed to the command of the 
squadron on Lake Erie, to whom you will communicate all the 
information you possess, and the arrangements you have made 
for the future operations of the squadron. You will then, sir, 
agreeable to your wish expressed in your letter to Commodore 
Chauncey, of the 19th December last, proceed to Sackett's 
Harbor and report yourself to him. 

" I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"WM. JONES. 
" e/. D. Elliot^ Esq., Commanding U. S. Squadron, Lake Eh'ie.'"' 

Captain Sinclair arrived on then 25th inst., when Elliot, after 
turning over the command, as instructed, proceeded to Lake 
Ontario. 

Sinclair was a thorough seaman and mertorious officer. He 
at once commenced to prepare the squadron for the before- 
named expedition against Mackinaw, though he found it tedious, 
as the vessels were much damaged and required extensive 
repairs, particularly the " Lawrence," she being a complete 
wreck. However, he managed to make her quite seaworthy, 
but he made the " Niagara," the flagship. Captain Daniel S. 
Dexter taking command of the " Lawrence." 

Mr. Dobbins was now relieved from cruising duty, and or- 
dered to proceed with the " Ohio," and stores, to Put-in-Bay, 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 91 

£ind assit in fitting out the prizes " Detroit " and " Queen Char- 
lotte," and navigate them to Erie. They arrived about the 1st 
of May, and after some time were taken over the bar and 
moored in Misery Bay. The temporary post at Put-in-Bay was 
then broken up and the troops removed to Detroit. 



CHAPTER XXI. 




FTER much difficulty the squadron sailed on the Mack- 
inaw expedition on the 25th of June, and reached Detroit 
on the 4th of July, where they took on board six hundred 
troops, under the command of Colonel Croghen. When on 
their passage up they encountered much difficulty in crossing 
the St. Clair flats, in consequence of shoal water. On reaching 
Fort Gratiot they took on board five hundred additional troops, 
under Colonel Cotgreave and Captain Gratiot, an engineer offi- 
cer. After visiting several posts on the Canadian side, and 
finding them abandoned, they sailed for Mackinaw, where they 
arrived about the 25th of July. Finding the post well fortified, 
with plenty of troops and a horde of Indians, they made an 
attempt to take it by landing upon the east side of the island. 
After a severe brush, in which the gallant Major Holmes was 
killed, they retreated to the vessels and abandoned the expe- 
dition. The squadron then sailed for the lower end of the 
lake. At Nautawassaga, a block house was destroyed, and 
caused the enemy to burn the schooner " Nancy." laden with 



92 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

stores and ammunition for Mackinaw. Lieutenant Worseley, 
Royal Navy, commanded at this post, who retreated to the in- 
terior with his forces. The squadron now sailed on their 
return, leaving the schooners " Scorpion " and " Tigress," Lieu- 
tenant Turner and Sailing Master Ghamplin in command, to 
cruise and watch, for the present, the movements of the enemy. 
Unfortunately, they were both surprised and captured at anchor 
one night, by a heavy body of troops and Indians in boats. 
In this unfortunate encounter the gallant young Ghamplin was 
severly wounded. 

The squadron proceeded on down to Buffalo, conveying a 
portion of the troops thither. The " Lawrence," however, 
being in bad condition, having nearly foundered in a blow on 
Lake Huron, was left at Erie, and went into ordinary. The 
schooners " Somers," Lieutenant Gonklin, and " Ohio," Sailing 
Master Golwell, were left at the lower end of the lake, while 
the rest of the squadron returned to Erie. Shortly after the 
departure of the squadron, a party of the enemy came down 
along the Ganada shore in the night in boats and captured both 
these schooners while laying at anchor at Fort Erie, thus mak- 
ing four schooners the British had captured since the victory 
of the 10th of September. 

Much has been said and sung in regard to the execution of 
Sergeant James Bird. The truth is something like this : The 
writer having heard frequent conversations between the offi- 
cers in regard to this affair, as also has heard his father, who 
was an officer attached to the squadron, relate the same. Bird 
came to Erie with a brigade of volunteers from the interior of 
the state, was detailed with a squad of men to guard stores in 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 93 

a small block house at the Cascade, where the large vessels 
were built. Though in command, he sanctioned the pilfering 
of the stores he was sent to protect ; and when information 
was given to the military commander he, with his party, made 
mutinous demonstrations, but soon were conquered. Lieut. 
Brooks, of the marines, was recruiting for the squadron, and 
Bird being a man of pluck, Brooks wished to secure him. 
Bird, with others, were told that "the offense would be over- 
looked, provided they would enlist as marines," which they 
did. Bird served gallantly on board the " Lawrence" during 
the action, and was wounded. At the time the squadron was 
preparing for the Mackinaw expedition, Bird was placed with 
a file of marines to guard the Government store, and from 
where he deserted, taking John Rankin, one of the guard* 
with him. A youngster belonging to Erie was on his way to 
school at Washington, Penn'a, on horseback, having spent his 
vacation at home, and passed the two men at a tavern near 
Butler. Having seen the men while on duty at the store, he 
knew them. He pushed on his journey, and soon met Sailing 
Master Colwell with a draft of seamen in wagons, destined for 
Erie to join the squadron, and to whom the youngster gave 
the information. Colwell sent a party in advance in disguise, 
captured, and brought them to Erie. They, with a sailor 
named John Davis, who had deserted a number of times, and 
committed other offenses, were tried by court martial on board 
the "Niagara," while on the passage of the squadron to De- 
troit. They were all three condemned to death. Efforts were 
made to have Bird's sentence commuted to imprisonment, in 
consequence of his gallantry in the action of the 10th of Sep- 



94 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

tember, but without success. The President claimed that "he 
had deserted from off his post while in charge of a guard, in 
time of war, therefore, must suffer as an example for others." 
They were all three executed on board the " Niagara " while 
at anchor in the roadstead at Erie, in October, 1814. 

The enemy having nothing, comparatively, in the shape of a 
" flotilla," — in fact but a few small craft, which seldom ven- 
tured beyond their harbors, — our squadron consequently done 
but little cruising, making their headquarters at Erie, that, in 
case of need, it was known where they were to be found. 
The season of storms soon came round, when they went into 
winter quarters at Erie, late in November. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



ON THE 24th of December, 1814, peace was declared 
between the United States and Great Britain, and matters 
began to be quieted down. In July, 1815, an order was for- 
warded from Washington to dispose of some of the smaller 
vessels, and sink the "Detroit," "Queen Charlotte," and 
" Lawrence," in some suitable place in the harbor, for preser- 
vation. Mr. Dobbins received an order to supervise the sink- 
ing, which order was fully complied with, and the three sunk 
side and side in Misery Bay. The "Niagara" being kept 
afloat as a sort of receiving ship. 

An incident occured in connection with the sinking which 



HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 95 

smacked a little of the marvelous, and which was the origin 
of jokes and comments. The " Lawrence " was moored upon 
the west or out side of the other two, and notwithstanding her 
supposed safe moorings, shifted her berth, though against a 
current, round athwart the sterns of the other vessels. 
She was again brought back to her moorings, but shifted back 
again, though additional security had been added. It was said 
in commenting, that she was determined to get a raking posi- 
tion, etc. 

In 1820 an order was received from Washington reducing 
the station. In 1825 it was entirely broken up and the prop- 
erty disposed of at auction. The " Lawrence," " Detroit," 
" Queen Charlotte," and " Niagara " were purchased by a Mr. 
Brown, of Rochester, and subsequently sold to Captain George 
Miles, of Erie, in 1836, who raised the three vessels, intending 
to fit them up for the merchant service. He found the two 
prizes in tolerable condition, but the " Lawrence " so badly 
riddled she would require docking and a thorough repair. 
Besides, she was too shallow in the hold for a merchant vessel 
of her size, being but nine feet — therefore was allowed to sink 
again to her watery grave, and there she should ever have 
rested — the waters of the lake on which she had gained her 
glorious renown surrounding her shattered hull. But the 
cupidity of man must bring her to the surface again, to be 
gazed upon by unsympathizing eyes, her splintered timbers cut 
up into fragments for relics, and her identity lost. 

What remains of the gallant old hulk has been cut into pieces 
and transported via railroad to Philadelphia, where it has been 
put together and is now on exhibition at the Centennial grounds. 



96 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

In closing this little historical work the author would say to 
his readers that it was got up hastily for disposition at the 
Centennial, where all, who, in taking a last look at the '' Law- 
rence," may obtain a history of her glorious career. 



TITLE OF THE PARTIES OWNING. 

Bill of sale from Benjamin H. Brown, of Rochester, New 
York, to A. Q. D. Leech, (who transferred to George Miles) of 
" Lawrence," " Niagara," " Detroit," and " Queen Charlotte," 
said bill of sale being made to George Miles separately, bearing 
date as per acknowledgment, June 20th, 1835. 

(Signed, B. H. BROWN. 

Acknowledgment by Geo. Mumford, Commissioner Deeds. 

Letter of Colonel Thomas Forster, Collector of Customs for 
the District of Presqu' ile (Erie), to the Secretary of the Navy, 
in regard to any claim the Government might have to said ves- 
sels. The inquiry being made for information enabling the 
Collector to grant papers to the brig " Queen Charlotte," then 
to be fitted out for the merchant service, bearing date April 
7th, 1835. 

(Signed) THOS. FORSTER, Collector. 

Also answer of Mahlon Dickinson, Secretary of the Navy, 
disclaiming any interest of the Government in said vessels, 
bearing date April 23d, 1835. 

Also transfer of all right, title and interest of George Miles in 
said vessels to Leander Dobbins, bearing date December 9th, 
1857 

(Signed) GEO. MILES. 

Also transfer of hulk of " Lawrence " to Thomas J. Viers 
and John Dunlap, bearing date September 10th, 1875. 

(Signed) LEANDER DOBBINS. 



EIISTOI^ir 



OF THE 



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(September lO, 1813,) 



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BY 



0^:ft. AAT. "^AT. i:)oBBiisrs. 



ERIE, PA.: 

AsHBY & Vincent, Printers, Stationers and Binders. 

1876. 



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